Hinduism in the United Arab Emirates
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hinduism is the third largest religion in the United Arab Emirates and Hindus constitute around 6.6%-15% of the population in the nation.[1] Hinduism is followed mainly by the significant Nepali and Indian population in the United Arab Emirates.[2]
Visitors at newly constructed BAPS Hindu Mandir at Abu Dhabi. | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
1,240,000 (2022) ; 15% of total population | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah | |
| Religions | |
| Hinduism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Indians in the United Arab Emirates |
History
At the turn of the 20th century, the region that now comprises the UAE experienced an economic boom as a result of the pearling industry; the few Indian traders who immigrated to the emirates settled in coastal towns and remained on the fringes of Emirati society.[3] Dubai has traditionally served as an "entrepôt for trade between the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent and was dominated by Hindu merchants in both gold and textile trade".[4] After the discovery of crude oil and large-scale industrialization and urbanization in the UAE, many workers and employees came to UAE for employment purposes in the nation.[5] Many South Asians immigrated there for work, and after 2000, Dubai became a global hotspot, attracting mainly South Asians, many of whom were Hindus.[6]
Demographics
Most of the Hindu diaspora in UAE are Indian, especially from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Punjab.[citation needed] The other Hindus are from Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.[7][8][9]
According to the 2007 International Religious Freedom Report, unofficial figures estimate that at least 15 percent of the UAE population is Hindu.[10] In 2011, the Pew Research Center estimates that Hindus constitute 6.6% of the population.[11]
Temples
The first Hindu Temple in Dubai is located in Bur Dubai, and is locally referred to as "Shiva and Krishna Mandir." It was built in 1958.[12] The Shiv temple closed in 2024 due to lack of space and was relocated to Jebel Ali. The Krishna Temple continues to exist there.[citation needed]
The second temple, Hindu Temple, Dubai, is in Jebel Ali Village next to the Sikh Gurudwara and Churches Complex. The temple was opened on October 5, 2022.[citation needed]
In August 2015, the UAE government allocated land for the construction of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. The construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi commenced in December 2019.[13] Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the temple on 14 February 2024.[14]
In addition to temples, there are community centers where Hindus can gather for prayer, religious ceremonies, and cultural activities.[15]
Cremation facilities for Hindus
There are two operating cremation facilities for the Hindu community, one in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai.[16]
