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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.
The UAE-Oman railway project, officially known as Hafeet Rail, has reached 40 % completion, marking a major milestone in one of the region’s most ambitious transport initiatives.
Once operational, the cross-border rail line will connect Abu Dhabi with Sohar in just 1 hour and 40 minutes, while journeys from Al Ain to Sohar will take only 47 minutes.
First modern cross-border train in the region
Announced in 2023, the project is a joint venture between Oman Rail, Etihad Rail, and Mubadala.
Spanning 303km, the railway will be the first modern cross-border train in the Arab world, carrying both passengers and cargo between the UAE and Oman.
Route and speed
The line will run from the UAE’s existing rail network in Al Wathba to Sohar’s port, passing through varied terrain including deserts, valleys, and mountains alongside Jebel Hafeet.
- Train speed: up to 200 km/h
- Route length (main section): approx. 238km
- Travel time: significantly reduced between key cities
Major engineering works
The project includes:
- 2,500m of tunnels through mountainous terrain
- 21 overbridges and 39 underpasses
- Viaducts and bridges to ensure smooth, uninterrupted rail flow
These features will help maintain efficient travel across challenging landscapes.
Freight services between nations
Beyond passenger travel, Hafeet Rail is expected to create an integrated logistics network, strengthening trade and economic ties between the UAE and Oman. Freight locomotives will be used to power cargo services across the network, helping to strengthen regional logistics, trade flows, and supply chain efficiency between the two Gulf countries.
The project is valued at around $3 billion and is expected to play a major role in enhancing connectivity and economic integration across the region.
While construction is progressing across multiple locations, no official completion date has yet been announced.
His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the launch of the Dubai Metro Gold Line, a major new infrastructure project set to expand the emirate’s transport network.
The 24-kilometre line, with an estimated cost of Dh 34 billion, will pass through 15 key strategic areas, serving around 1.5 million residents and connecting to 55 major real estate developments currently under construction.
Key route and connectivity
The new line will run from Al Ghubaiba in the north to Jumeirah Golf Estates, linking historic and emerging parts of the city.
- Total stations: 18
- Fully underground line
- Intersections with existing Red and Green Metro Lines
- Integration with Etihad Rail passenger stations in Meydan and Jumeirah Golf Estates
Boost to metro network
The Gold Line will increase the Dubai Metro’s overall length by 25%, significantly improving connectivity across the city.
The project is scheduled for completion on September 9, 2032.
Sheikh Mohammed said the project is part of Dubai’s ongoing ambition to become the world’s best city to live in, with continued investment in infrastructure and mobility.
The new line is expected to play a key role in reducing congestion, improving travel times, and supporting urban growth across Dubai.
Inside the UAE-Oman Hafeet Rail project now 40% complete
New Dubai Metro Gold Line to expand network by 25%
