Could Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple be ready for Diwali 2017?

Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple could be ready to welcome worshippers next Diwali, with completion expected at the end of 2017. With an area of 20,000 square metres, the structure is being built in Al Wathba on land donated by the government of Abu Dhabi.

The temple was announced during Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s UAE visit in August 2015.  

Expat Indian businessman and Abu Dhabi resident B.R. Shetty, who is the chairman of the Temple Coordination Committee, hopes the temple will act as a meeting point for worshippers and well-wishers while celebrating traditional Hindu festivals such as Diwali and Dussehra.

“Diwali is a very auspicious time of the year for everyone. It signifies the victory of light over darkness," says Shetty. "Being away from home during this time can be difficult for Indian expatriates. The new temple coming up in Abu Dhabi will, I hope, recreate the same spirit and atmosphere we all love about Diwali."