Worshippers from the UAE and across the world have told of their joy at helping prepare Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple for its much-anticipated opening next month.
Teenagers, businesswomen, budding designers and retired expatriates from Africa, the Gulf, the UK, US and India have been spending weekends and evenings cleaning the site, decorating the area with plants and art work, or helping to organise the February 14 launch.
The community has come together as planning reaches fever pitch ahead of the dedication ceremony that will be attended by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
For worshippers this is part of seva, or devotional service, and adds to their excitement of being part of a project they describe as historic.
Shashikant Depala, 74, says he visits most evenings to see how he can help.
“Whatever work I get, I feel lucky to be part of. This can be filling trash bags or checking furniture being assembled,” said Mr Depala, called Kaka, or uncle, by people on site.
“When I’m trying to help, the youngsters always say, “Kaka, leave that,” but I cannot miss the opportunity to do seva for the mandir (temple).
“There is no value that can be attached to how important this is for us.”
When Mr Depala came to Abu Dhabi in 1979 looking for a job, he found work at a bank and made the country his home.
At that time, people met in their friends' homes to pray and celebrate festivals as the capital did not have a Hindu temple.
The community gathered at two small shrines – among the oldest in the country – built inside buildings in the Bur Dubai area of Dubai.
A Hindu temple that opened in Dubai’s Jebel Ali two years ago is drawing thousands of worshippers daily.
Worshippers say the new Abu Dhabi temple, in the Abu Mureikha area off the highway to Dubai, will bring the community closer.
“I was so overwhelmed when I heard a temple was being built in Abu Dhabi – that was the most wonderful moment for me,” said Mr Depala, who retired five years ago.
“Praying at home and in a temple is a different thing altogether.
“I’m very fortunate to be part of this historic temple.”
Learning every day
Built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the temple opens to the public on February 18, four days after a ceremony when deities will be consecrated and blessed.
In the meantime, devotees pick up brooms to sweep the marble floors at the site.
Others check arrangements for a week-long Festival of Harmony to be celebrated after the temple opens.
Young worshipper Suraj Parmar has gained invaluable experience tracking container-loads of carved stone from India.
The 24-year-old interior designer from Oman had completed a bachelor’s degree in India when he heard of an opportunity to assist at the Abu Dhabi temple.
He is part of a team involved in logistics, civil work and making sure the stone pillars and marble slabs were placed in the correct place for installation.
“There is no school that teaches you to build a temple,” he said.
“Leaving spirituality aside, in my career, I don’t think I ever will get the chance to build something on this scale or find a bigger project to learn from.”
The stunning sandstone and marble structure is the only fully hand-carved Hindu temple in the Gulf region constructed following the same principles as temples in ancient India – without using steel or iron reinforcements.
“I got to learn something new every day. People are astonished when they see the scale of the carvings – you see this in temples in India but this has not been seen before in this part of the world,” Mr Parmar said.
He is now supervising paint touch-ups in the community halls and checking furnishings being added to buildings surrounding the temple.
Giving back to community
Over the weekend, families bring children to paint stone and rock chunks that will decorate the area.
Niyanta Patel is among the teenagers who accompany their parents on Sundays keen to help with dusting and cleaning.
“To me, it’s an act of devotion. It helps me feel connected to the temple,” the 17-year-old said.
“It’s also a way to say thank you to God, a way to give back to our community.”
Her parents and family volunteered when the BAPS organisation built a temple in London in 1995.
“My mum, dad, aunts and uncles have stories they tell that make them feel personally connected to the London temple.
“So being part of this mandir in Abu Dhabi really means a lot to me.
“Not only is it strengthening my faith but it also helps me to connect with other people like me,” Ms Patel said.
“Some of the greatest memories I have are in the temple in London.
“I would sit and talk with my friends. It’s not only about building up my faith but being part of the society here.
“There is such a big community and everyone can pray together and it also helps understand each other.”
Family away from home
The brass-topped spires and delicately carved pink stone building welcomes all nationalities, religions and cultures.
The temple has drawn enthusiastic devotees from overseas.
Priyanka Lodhia, a businesswoman from Tanzania, was also at the opening of the largest temple in the US, in New Jersey, in October last year,
“I was committed to doing seva in Abu Dhabi and it comes from a very true place in my heart,” said the 29-year-old, who is part of the media relations and administration teams.
“What we learn is that in the service of others, we find happiness.
“It is an incredible feeling to have a family away from home – people from different backgrounds who come together with one purpose.
“There is so much excitement and happiness in the atmosphere.”
The temple has been built on land given to the Indian community in 2015 by President Sheikh Mohamed when he was the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
The temple will hold about 2,000 worshippers, with capacity to welcome more than 40,000 people during religious festivals.
The Breadwinner
Director: Nora Twomey
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Three stars
The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
Jetour T1 specs
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
RESULTS
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Tathoor, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 1,000m
Winner: Dahawi, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
Winner: Aiz Alawda, Fernando Jara, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,000m
Winner: ES Nahawand, Fernando Jara, Mohammed Daggash
7pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Winked, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7.30pm: Al Ain Mile Group 3 (PA) Dh350,000 1,600m
Winner: Somoud, Connor Beasley, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
8pm: Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Al Jazi, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
Fringe@Four Line-up
October 1 - Phil Nichol (stand-up comedy)
October 29 - Mandy Knight (stand-up comedy)
November 5 - Sinatra Raw (Fringe theatre)
November 8 - Imah Dumagay & Sundeep Fernandes (stand-up comedy)
November 13 - Gordon Southern (stand-up comedy)
November 22 - In Loyal Company (Fringe theatre)
November 29 - Peter Searles (comedy / theatre)
December 5 - Sinatra’s Christmas Under The Stars (music / dinner show)
The Ashes
Results
First Test, Brisbane: Australia won by 10 wickets
Second Test, Adelaide: Australia won by 120 runs
Third Test, Perth: Australia won by an innings and 41 runs
Fourth Test: Melbourne: Drawn
Fifth Test: Australia won by an innings and 123 runs
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Where to buy art books in the UAE
There are a number of speciality art bookshops in the UAE.
In Dubai, The Lighthouse at Dubai Design District has a wonderfully curated selection of art and design books. Alserkal Avenue runs a pop-up shop at their A4 space, and host the art-book fair Fully Booked during Art Week in March. The Third Line, also in Alserkal Avenue, has a strong book-publishing arm and sells copies at its gallery. Kinokuniya, at Dubai Mall, has some good offerings within its broad selection, and you never know what you will find at the House of Prose in Jumeirah. Finally, all of Gulf Photo Plus’s photo books are available for sale at their show.
In Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi has a beautiful selection of catalogues and art books, and Magrudy’s – across the Emirates, but particularly at their NYU Abu Dhabi site – has a great selection in art, fiction and cultural theory.
In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Museum sells catalogues and art books at its museum shop, and the Sharjah Art Foundation has a bookshop that offers reads on art, theory and cultural history.
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Friday (all kick-offs UAE time)
Hertha Berlin v Union Berlin (10.30pm)
Saturday
Freiburg v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
Paderborn v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Borussia Dortmund (5.30pm)
Borussia Monchengladbach v Bayer Leverkusen (5.30pm)
Bayern Munich v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm)
Sunday
Schalke v Augsburg (3.30pm)
Mainz v RB Leipzig (5.30pm)
Cologne v Fortuna Dusseldorf (8pm)
Read more from Aya Iskandarani
Ticket prices
General admission Dh295 (under-three free)
Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free
Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets
BMW M5 specs
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
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Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
INFO
Everton 0
Arsenal 0
Man of the Match: Djibril Sidibe (Everton)
The specs
Engine: 0.8-litre four cylinder
Power: 70bhp
Torque: 66Nm
Transmission: four-speed manual
Price: $1,075 new in 1967, now valued at $40,000
On sale: Models from 1966 to 1970
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Expert advice
“Join in with a group like Cycle Safe Dubai or TrainYAS, where you’ll meet like-minded people and always have support on hand.”
Stewart Howison, co-founder of Cycle Safe Dubai and owner of Revolution Cycles
“When you sweat a lot, you lose a lot of salt and other electrolytes from your body. If your electrolytes drop enough, you will be at risk of cramping. To prevent salt deficiency, simply add an electrolyte mix to your water.”
Cornelia Gloor, head of RAK Hospital’s Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centre
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can ride as fast or as far during the summer as you do in cooler weather. The heat will make you expend more energy to maintain a speed that might normally be comfortable, so pace yourself when riding during the hotter parts of the day.”
Chandrashekar Nandi, physiotherapist at Burjeel Hospital in Dubai
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
