Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) has selected Singapore-based architects Raglan Squire and Partners (RSP) to lead the designing and construction of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE.
BAPS is the global religious and civic organization that is part of the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism.
The Project was launched by PM Modi during his visit to the UAE in February.
The signing event was held with volunteers and community leaders who had contributed to the project. The guests of honour were Navdeep Singh Suri, Ambassador of India to the UAE and His Excellency Samuel Tan Chi Tse, Ambassador of Singapore to the UAE.
The agreements were signed by B R Shetty, Chairman of Mandir Limited and Lai Huen Poh, Global Managing Director of RSP Architects, Planners and Engineers. Speaking on the occasion, the Indian Ambassador said UAE has the highest spirit of tolerance and brings people of all faiths and cultures together to develop a monumental project in the UAE.
The exterior of the mandir will be made of pink sandstone from Rajasthan and the interior from white marble that will be handcrafted by artisans in India. The complex will include places for children’s activities, exhibitions, multiple prayer halls to serve the community as well as a pure vegetarian food court among other facilities.