News
Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Mandir reopens with focus on unity and appreciation for UAE
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public, marking the occasion with a large-scale flag-raising ceremony that brought together more than 1,000 attendees in a show of unity and appreciation for the United Arab Emirates.
The temple resumed operations on April 14 in line with national safety and security guidelines. Its official reopening was commemorated on April 19 with a ceremony held in the mandir’s central courtyard, where community members, officials, and volunteers gathered to celebrate what organisers described as a moment of gratitude and solidarity.
To watch a video of the event, click here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXUPHuskxKs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
Senior representatives from government and civic bodies attended the event, including officials from Abu Dhabi Police and the Department of Community Development. In remarks during the ceremony, Brigadier General Hamed Mohammed Al Harji, Head of the Joint Task Force, said the gathering reflected the UAE’s spirit of harmony and coexistence, and reaffirmed authorities’ commitment to community safety.
Brigadier General Al Harji thanked Brahmavihari Swami for inviting the joint task force to take part in the ceremony, describing the event as a powerful display of unity. He said the large and diverse turnout was “deeply moving,” reflecting the UAE’s core values of harmony and coexistence. Al Harji added that the occasion reaffirmed the task force’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the community and ensuring its well-being remains in trusted hands.
Flag-waving procession
The event drew participants from a wide cross-section of the UAE’s Indian diaspora, with cultural groups representing regions such as Rajasthan, Odisha, Bengal, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh, among other states. Attendees waved UAE flags and took part in a procession around the temple grounds, underscoring themes of inclusion and shared identity.
Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, described the reopening as both a celebration and a moment of reflection. In his address, he praised the UAE’s leadership for fostering a sense of security and belonging among residents of diverse backgrounds.
“A country is not measured by the size of its land, wealth or population, but by the quality and character of its people and the vision of its leaders,” he said, expressing gratitude to the nation’s leadership for guiding the country through recent challenges.
Role of the temple
Temple officials also highlighted the role the mandir played during periods of global disruption, when travel restrictions left some individuals stranded. Volunteers organised support efforts that included food distribution, temporary accommodation and basic medical assistance, working in coordination with local authorities.
Mandir chairman Ashok Kotecha said the reopening signals a renewed commitment to community service. “We are honoured to be part of a nation that champions unity, compassion and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir, which blends traditional Indian architecture with modern sustainability features, is positioned not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for cultural exchange and social outreach. As it resumes regular activities, leaders say its mission remains focused on service, inclusivity and strengthening community ties across the UAE.
Tributes have poured in after the son of former Chelsea star Eddie Newton was found dead alongside his friend following a hike in the UAE, where temperatures soared to 50C.
Cassius Newton, 34, and his friend Aran Martinson, 33, were found by rescuers on July 18 after setting out on a hike in the mountainous Wadi Naqab region.
The pair, from Dorset and Essex respectively, both lived and worked in the UAE. Their bodies were discovered between 3km and 4km from their vehicle.
According to a report, Chelmsford area coroner Michelle Brown said their provisional causes of death included cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Cassius, a non-league footballer, was the son of former Chelsea midfielder and coach Eddie Newton, who spent more than a decade with the club.
His wife was in the UK when she became concerned after Cassius failed to contact her following the hike and reported him missing.
The two men had been living at a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
Tributes after desert tragedy
Tributes poured in after the deaths.
Aran’s wife described him as “incredibly driven, hardworking and ambitious”, saying he had recently begun a new chapter in his career and was excited about the future.
Blackfield & Langley Football Club paid tribute to their former player, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of former player Cassius Newton; our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
National League club Eastleigh, where Cassius had previously played, said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.
Chelsea connection
Cassius’ father Eddie Newton played for Chelsea from 1990 to 2001 and famously scored in the club’s 1997 FA Cup final victory.
The former midfielder also represented Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Barnet.
After retiring as a player, Newton moved into coaching, working as assistant manager at MK Dons and West Brom before returning to Chelsea.
He later served as assistant manager under Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez.
(With inputs from BBC, The Sun)
UAE petrol prices rise again: New fuel rates for October revealed
Etihad Rail to launch 10 daily Dubai-Abu Dhabi passenger journeys
