Tourism Breaking News
The BAPS Hindu Temple Abu Dhabi is the second largest in the world and it is expected to attract over 3million visitors over the first year. Slated to officially open on 14th February 2024 by His Excellency Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India would be an invitation only event and the international visitors are able to visit from the 18th of February 2024 whilst a special announcement was made requesting residents of the UAE to visit after 1st March. Vishal Patel – Volunteer – BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi shared, “We anticipate a few million people shall visit the BAPS Hindu Mandir in the first year, owing to the substantial Indian population in the UAE and the strategic positioning of the Mandir between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. We cannot give an exact figure; however, please note that the Mandir is well positioned to capture a significant number of visitors into the future.”
The entrance to the temple has the three Holy Rivers from India flowing towards the Mandir – Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvathi at the foot of the premises. The 360 degree immersive experience is also around the foot of the temple. Made out of sustainable materials, without the use of steel, the temple is made to an ancient method of architecture depicting stories from various civilizations. The seven spires depict the seven emirates and the use of Oryx and camels further enhance the culture between the two destinations the UAE and India,
Jayaram Vaidyanathan – Managing Director and CEO – Sharaf Travel and Tourism Group, “This is a huge step towards further strengthening the people to people relationships and will certainly attract visitors from across all diverse cultures from world over to visit this magnificently built Temple. A first and one of its kind in the region. This is an outcome of super planning – we will certainly have an diversified audience utilising all of the available areas in the complex for the betterment of our lives – Spirituality, Yoga, Weddings and family events, cultural display of arts, crafts, music and dance. This will only further increase the type of travellers. It may be incorrect to predict the total revenue on tourism but will certainly see a huge increase in travellers with a minimum of USD700/- per person as an additional spend. In my opinion, to expect more than 3 million visitors in the first year.”
Vishal Patel – Volunteer – BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi shared, “The BAPS Hindu Mandir is the largest temple in Western Asia and the first of its kind in the Middle East. Being the first-hand carved stone Mandir in the Middle East, it has fast become a symbol of love and spiritual harmony and is recognized as an extending hand of friendship between faiths and communities. Additionally, the Mandir is expected to draw both devoted pilgrims and tourists from diverse cultures and faiths, particularly those eager to explore and learn about spirituality from an Eastern perspective. Given the huge number of travelers we expect to visit into the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, we believe the Mandir is likely to contribute positively to the tourism sector in the UAE.”
The complex has various areas such as convention center, visitor center, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning areas, sports area for children, thematic gardens, water features, a food court, a books and gift shop, Patel reiterated “The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi stands as a testament to the revival of ancient architecture and stone crafting. Visitors are treated to a cultural journey that encompasses art, spirituality, and a sophisticated design seamlessly blending both Indian and Arabian cultures. The Mandir boasts unique features, including intricate carvings from Shiva Puran, Ramayana, Bhagavatam, and Swaminarayan Charitra onto its walls. Additionally, it incorporates value tales from diverse civilizations such as Arabian, Aztec, Innuit and Egyptian cultures, portraying a profound sense of unity among people from all nations.
