Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi on 14 February, making it the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital's Abu Mureikhah neighborhood. The temple's construction began in December 2019 after the PM inaugurated the project in February 2018.

Spanning 27 acres of land, the BAPS Hindu temple, located near Al Rahba along the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, showcases exquisite marble carvings and a pink sandstone façade. More than 25,000 pieces of stone, brought from northern Rajasthan, have been meticulously crafted into the temple's design, incorporating elements of Vedic architecture and sculptures.

The temple's façade is adorned with intricate carvings, showcasing stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana, Shiv Purana, Bhagavatam, and Mahabharata. It also features narratives of revered deities such as Lord Jagannath, Lord Swaminarayan, Lord Venkateshwara, and Lord Ayyappa. The design incorporates two Ghumats (domes), seven Shikhars (spires) representing each of the UAE's seven emirates, 12 Samrans (dome-like structures), and 402 pillars.

To withstand the scorching temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius that prevail in the UAE, the temple's construction incorporates stones known for their durability. Heat-resistant nano tiles and heavy glass panels have been integrated to merge traditional aesthetic stone structures with modern-day elements.

The BAPS Hindu temple has been constructed with a cost of Rs 700 crore and features materials such as 40,000 cubic meters of marble, including Italian marble, 180,000 cubic meters of sandstone, and over 1.8 million bricks. More than two lakh cubic feet of "sacred" stone were transported in over 700 containers for the temple's construction.

The inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple holds significant diplomatic importance as it marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the UAE in 34 years. It showcases the strong relations between India and the UAE, which were further solidified through the allocation of land for the temple during PM Modi's first visit in 2015.

The BAPS organization, also known as the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, is responsible for managing 1,100 temples and 3,850 units globally. Known for overseeing prestigious temple projects, the BAPS constructed the largest Hindu temple outside of India, Akshardham, in Robbinsville, New Jersey. This grand temple sits on 185 acres of land and rises to a height of 191 feet, utilizing 1.9 million cubic feet of stone transported from various global locations.

The inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi signifies a new milestone for the Hindu community in the UAE and strengthens the cultural ties between India and the UAE. Its grandeur and craftsmanship are set to captivate visitors from around the world, reflecting the rich heritage and vibrant traditions of Hinduism.