Riyadh: The construction of the much-awaited Hindu temple complex in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is moving swiftly, as India is working closely to inaugurate the temple during prestigious Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Marking an important milestone on its path to constructing the temple, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, the main force behind the temple project, along with Mandir Limited, a newly formed body to handling the construction, announced that it has chosen a Singapore architectural firm to lead and oversee the design and construction of the temple complex.
The organisers also announced that Ministry of Community Development in UAE has authorised Mandir Limited to collect contributions towards the temple project on time. The signing event was held recently in Abu Dhabi with volunteers and community leaders who had contributed to the project in the presence of Indian Ambassador Navdeep Singh Suri, Singapore Ambassador Samuel Tan Chi Tse.
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, hailing UAE, 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. Suri emphasised that the Indian community must work with ability and efforts to honour the commitment which was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the temple construction.
Mandir Limited Chairman and noted Indian businessman in UAE, B.R. Shetty hailed the land gifted for the temple by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed. The temple project has reflected the core mission of harmony and tolerance of the UAE government. In this project, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha’s traditional architects (known as sompuras) and engineers will design the stone temple.
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. RSP’s experts from Singapore, India and the UAE will form a team with BAPS’s core team and other respected sub consultants like Ramboll to develop a vibrant cultural and spiritual centre. 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.