The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi opened on 14 February 2024, when Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual head of BAPS, performed the consecration. BAPS describes it as the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, built on land given by the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Visits need a booking made in advance, and the rules on ID, clothing and what you can carry are strict. This guide sets out the hours, the aarti times, how registration works and what to expect at the gate.
Know before you go
- Address: P6 Al Taf Road (E16), Abu Dhabi, at Exit 366 of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11).
- Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 8 pm.
- Closed: Mondays.
- Ganga Aarti: 7:30 pm on weekdays; 6:45 pm and 7:30 pm on weekends and holidays.
- Registration: compulsory for every visitor, booked only after you arrive in the UAE.
- ID: a physical passport or Emirates ID.
- Dress code: no shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops, or tight or see-through clothes.
- Last checked: 3 November 2026.
In this Article
Timings and aarti
The mandir is open from 9 am to 8 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, and stays shut on Mondays. The Ganga Aarti takes place every evening.
| Day | Opening hours | Ganga Aarti |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | None |
| Tuesday to Friday | 9 am to 8 pm | 7:30 pm |
| Saturday, Sunday and holidays | 9 am to 8 pm | 6:45 pm and 7:30 pm |
Weekend evenings are when the two aarti sessions run, so if you want to see one, book a slot that leaves time to clear security before 6:45 pm.
Registration and booking
Every visitor has to book individually through the Book a Visit option on mandir.ae, and the mandir turns away anyone who is not registered. Some points to keep in mind:
- You can make the booking only after you have arrived in the UAE, so you cannot book from India before your flight.
- Each pass carries the visitor’s personal details, which staff check against your ID at the gate.
- Show the QR code from your booking at the entrance.
- Bring a physical passport or Emirates ID. A photo of it on your phone will not do.
- Expect a full security check on arrival.
The official site does not list an entry fee for a general visit.
Dress code
The mandir is a place of worship, and security staff can refuse entry if they think your clothes are unsuitable. The official rules are:
- No shorts, no skirts above the knee and no sleeveless tops.
- No tight or transparent clothing.
- Avoid very shiny clothes or accessories, and anything that makes a lot of noise.
- No headwear or clothes showing provocative designs, political statements or images.
If your clothes fall short, you can buy a sarong (a long cloth to wrap) at the front desk.
What you cannot carry
The banned list is long, and it applies in the car park as well as inside. Among the items you cannot bring:
| Category | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Food and drink | Any food, drinks, fruit or flowers, including water |
| Cameras | Professional cameras, video cameras and selfie sticks |
| Sharp items | Knives, blades, multitools and sharp objects of any size |
| Smoking | Tobacco, paan, cigarettes and vapes |
| Gear | Drones, remote control devices, coolers, picnic baskets, chairs and seats |
| Transport | Skateboards, bicycles and scooters |
| Others | Alcohol, aerosols, spray paint, musical instruments, fireworks, laser lights and pets |
The management and Abu Dhabi Police can refuse entry or remove anyone from the complex and the car park.
Photography
You can take photos and videos on a mobile phone for personal, non commercial use. Using a camera for private, commercial or press work needs permission from the mandir beforehand, which you can request by email through the official site. Staff may photograph visitors for the mandir’s records and promotion, as long as visitors are not the main subject.
Which gods are in the mandir
The mandir has seven spires, which BAPS says reflect the seven emirates of the UAE. Each spire stands over a shrine to a deity or deities from different parts of India:
- Shri Akshar-Purushottam Bhagwan
- Shri Radha-Krishna Bhagwan
- Shri Sita-Rama Bhagwan and Parivar
- Shri Parvati-Shankar Bhagwan and Parivar
- Shri Jagannath Bhagwan and Parivar
- Shri Padmavati-Shrinivas Bhagwan
- Shri Ayyappa Swami
Along with the shrines, the stone walls carry carved panels from Hindu stories, such as Krishna showing his cosmic form to Arjuna and the Gajendra Moksha tale.
Accessibility
Wheelchairs and other mobility aids are welcome. Wheelchairs can be borrowed on request, and People of Determination get priority in the entry queue. Guide dogs and other animals are not allowed inside.
Getting there
The mandir sits on Al Taf Road (E16) at Exit 366 of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11), the main road between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so it fits well into a drive between the two cities. Our Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai shows how to combine it with other stops, and if you have time on Yas Island, see our guide to Ferrari World and Yas Island.
FAQ
Is registration needed for BAPS Mandir Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Every visitor must book in advance on mandir.ae, and visitors without a booking are turned away. The booking can only be made once you are in the UAE.
What are the BAPS Mandir Abu Dhabi timings?
The mandir is open 9 am to 8 pm from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays.
What is the aarti time?
The Ganga Aarti is at 7:30 pm on weekdays, with two sessions at 6:45 pm and 7:30 pm on weekends and holidays.
Can I wear jeans to the mandir?
The rules do not ban jeans. They rule out tight fitting clothes, shorts, skirts above the knee and sleeveless tops, so loose, full length clothing is the safe choice.
Can I take my phone inside?
Yes. Phone photos and videos are allowed for personal use. Professional cameras, video cameras and selfie sticks are not.
Official resources: BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi; Visit information and guidelines
Photo credits
Featured image: Bhavyaahir / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Timings and aarti: Asd_Akhilesh / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Registration and booking: Asd_Akhilesh / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Dress code: Asd_Akhilesh / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; What you cannot carry: Asd_Akhilesh / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Photography: Bhavyaahir / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; Which gods are in the mandir: Bhavyaahir / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; Which gods are in the mandir: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
