A Guide to the Largest Gurudwara in Dubai

Dubai is renowned for its remarkable religious tolerance and inclusivity towards various cultures and faiths. The city is home to people from diverse nationalities and religious backgrounds, and the government has a deep respect for their religious practices and traditions. Dubai boasts an array of places of worship comprising churches, temples, and mosques.

Dubai’s stunning mosques are a major attraction for visitors from all over the world, showcasing modern amenities and mesmerizing architecture. The city’s worship places have garnered a devoted following due to their tranquil ambiance and visually striking design. Gurudwara, a Sikh temple located in Dubai, is a testament to the city’s openness and acceptance of different faiths.

Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar

Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple stands out as the most renowned Gurudwara in Dubai and is also recognized as the largest gurudwara in the Gulf region. The Sikh community received the land for free from HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, Vice-President, and Prime Minister of the UAE, as a reflection of the city’s religious tolerance. The primary function of this gurudwara is to provide a space for Sikh residents in Dubai to congregate, pray and participate in philanthropic endeavors. The temple is named after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and has been an important part of Sikh customs and gatherings since 2012.

The Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple has become a popular destination for tourists, both Sikh and non-Sikh, offering them a glimpse into the Sikh religion and culture. The temple is situated in Jebel Ali Village and spans over an impressive 100,000 square feet. The Holford Associates architectural firm designed the temple, which seamlessly blends traditional and modern architectural styles, resulting in an architectural masterpiece. Additionally, the temple has received ISO certifications in quality control, environmental control, occupational health and safety control, and food management.

Guru Nanak Darbar, the largest Sikh temple in the Gulf region, boasts of traditional Sikh architecture with its multi-story structure housing a large prayer hall, langar hall, and other facilities for worship and community activities. The temple has the capacity to accommodate over 2,500 worshippers at a time, with intricate paintings, carvings, and decorations adorning the hall, creating the perfect atmosphere for worship. Surrounding the complex is a 54-meter Parikrama, which serves as a pathway for believers to circle the temple or take a holy bath while engaging in prayer. A pond adjacent to the temple, inspired by the famous “Sarovar” at The Golden Temple in India, adds to the spiritual ambiance of the place.

Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh temple is considered a popular tourist destination and attraction in Dubai, with its inclusion in the list of establishments and attractions in the city by the Department of Economy and Tourism. The temple is also featured on the official website of Dubai Tourism.

What to expect at Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar

1. Spacious prayer halls

Guru Nanak Darbar is a serene place of worship for Sikhs residing in Dubai. The gurudwara is equipped with a spacious prayer auditorium on its second floor, which can hold up to 5000 devotees at once. The holy book and a large mat are the centerpieces of the auditorium, where worshippers can sit and meditate in peace. Additionally, there is an introspection area and a library, providing an undisturbed space for people of any religion to read their holy books and contemplate.

2. Daily spiritual activities

Guru Nanak Darbar is an eco-friendly temple that utilizes solar energy and features a water promenade that maintains a cool temperature. The temple is open for daily prayer meetings, providing a spiritual retreat for believers. The holy space reverberates with prayers of hope and faith, and special morning and evening prayers are held, inviting every visitor to participate.

3. Services for devotees

The Sikh community places significant importance on passing their religious values to the next generation. In this regard, special three-hour sessions are organized on Saturdays to teach Punjabi, Kirtan, and Gurdwara protocol. For adults, Gurbani Santhiya Classes are held at Gurudwara Sahib where they learn the proper pronunciation and readings of Holy Shabads.

Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple in Dubai offers a variety of services to the Sikh community, including Akhand Path Sahib, Sehaj Path, Sukhmani Sahib Path, child naming ceremony, child Amrit ceremony, engagement, Anand Karaj (wedding ceremony), matrimonial services, housewarming prayer, memorial prayer, and more. The temple caters to the spiritual needs of the community and offers a platform for religious gatherings and rituals.

4. Langars

Guru Nanak Darbar in Dubai offers a unique dining experience to visitors through its Guru ka Langar, which follows the principle of equality by welcoming people of all religions and social backgrounds to sit together and share a meal. The Langar hall is a spacious facility that can accommodate a large number of visitors. The gurudwara kitchen serves pure vegetarian food, which is prepared using voluntary contributions from the congregation. Many devotees also volunteer to work in the kitchen by cooking the food, washing the dishes, and cleaning the area as a part of their ‘Seva’ or service.

On an average day, the gurudwara serves around 1,000 meals, while on Fridays, it serves around 10,000 vegetarian meals. During festivals and special events, the number of meals served can go up to 40,000. In April 2017, Guru Nanak Darbar made history by achieving a Guinness World Record by providing breakfast to a total of 600 individuals from 101 different nationalities.

5. Festivities

Guru Nanak Darbar in Dubai commemorates festivals with great zeal and devotion. Devotees from all over the UAE come in large numbers to participate in these celebrations. The temple is adorned with colorful lights and decorations to create a festive atmosphere. Special gatherings are organized on all Gurpurabs, and outside the temple, special Langars are set up to accommodate the visitors. The community kitchen serves delicious vegetarian meals, including salad, sabzi, dal, roti, rice, fruits, and desserts, to everyone who is a part of the festivities.

6. Digital museum

Guru Nanak Darbar in Dubai boasts a digital museum that offers a captivating insight into the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. This innovative museum houses interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and artifacts that showcase the rich history, philosophy, and legacy of the Sikh religion.  Visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of various aspects of Sikhism, including the ten Gurus, the Sikh holy book Guru Granth Sahib, and the Sikh code of conduct through the museum’s exhibits. To enhance the museum experience, touchscreens, and audio guides are installed to provide an immersive experience to the visitors

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