[The National] UAE and India unite in creation of Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple

The inauguration of Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple, a significant symbol of unity between the UAE and India. The temple, located in Abu Dhabi’s Abu Mureikhah Cultural District, is the Middle East’s first fully handcrafted traditional stone Hindu temple.

The temple, which cost Dh350 million ($95.3 million), was built over five years by more than 2,000 sculptors from Indian villages. The construction replicated techniques used thousands of years ago and involved exhaustive work, including the hand-carving of pink sandstone spires and white marble pillars.

The temple was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is expected to attract both worshippers and tourists. The temple is a tribute to harmony and a symbol of the close friendship between the UAE and India.

The temple was built on 11 hectares of land and is part of the Baps Swaminarayan Sanstha organization, which has built 1,200 temples in countries from Australia to the US. This has supported a revival of hand sculpting in India.

Source: Conversation with Bing
https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/heritage/2024/02/13/uae-and-india-unite-in-creation-of-abu-dhabis-first-hindu-temple/