‘I Witnessed Ganga Aarti in UAE’: Indian Man Shares Experience at Abu Dhabi’s First Hindu Temple

An Indian man who recently moved to Dubai found himself amazed during a visit to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Sharing a video online, he captured his journey from Dubai to the temple and described his awe after witnessing the Ganga Aarti in the UAE.

“I witnessed Ganga Aarti in UAE ,” the man wrote. In his video, he shared that he had moved to Dubai just three weeks ago and is now exploring iconic places across the country, including Abu Dhabi.

The temple itself is historic. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14, 2025, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir is the first traditional Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi . Built on a sprawling 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, it stands as a symbol of cultural harmony. The land for the temple was generously donated by the UAE government.

Visitor Guidelines

The temple has laid down rules to ensure a safe and respectful experience. Devotees must follow specific dress codes, clothing should cover from the neck to the elbows and ankles. Caps, t-shirts with offensive designs, tight-fitting outfits, flashy accessories, and politically themed attire are not permitted.

Restricted Items

Visitors cannot bring pets, food, alcohol, firearms, luggage, drones, knives, or even umbrellas inside the premises. The idea is to maintain serenity and avoid distractions.

Photography Rules

The temple does allow photography and video recording, but only on mobile devices and strictly for personal use. Commercial filming is prohibited.

For many, including the Dubai-based Indian man, the experience is more than just a visit it’s a moment of spiritual connection in a land far from home. The Ganga Aarti in the heart of the UAE has now become a memory he will cherish for a lifetime.