A model of the gurdwara, Guru Nanak Durbar.
The first gurdwara in the UAE, Guru Nanak Durbar, will open in Dubai within a month.
Built at $20 million, the ultra-modern gurdwara is a rare piece of architectural design, a blend of modern and traditional building style, finalised after studying important Sikh shrines the world over, including Golden Temple.
Gulf-based industrialist Surender Singh Kandhari had taken the initiative to build the mega project and permission was taken from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Makhtoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE in 2008.
It took two years for Dubai-based architectural firms Holford Associates and Paul Bishop Design Associates to give shape to the three storyed structure built over 12,5000 sq ft with a basement, a langar (community kitchen) and assembly halls.
Paul Bishop and designer Arafeh Bashir visited the Golden Temple earlier this week and studied frescoes and wall painting at Harmandar Sahib.
“The Guru Nanak Durbar is ready except for some minute interior design work,” said Gunbir Singh, a local industrialist and philanthropist who was the team’s local coordinator.
Talking to The Indian Express, he said Kandhari had convinced the UAE top authorities about the tolerant teachings of Sikh gurus and the Sheikh not only granted permission for the shrine but also gave free land to the community in the heart of Dubai.
“Richard Adams from UK, who helped design the Singh Sahib Gurdwara at South Hall was also consulted,” said Gunbir, adding that the gurdwara will accommodate over 600 devotees at the langar hall at one time.
Built at $20 million, the ultra-modern gurdwara is a rare piece of architectural design, a blend of modern and traditional building style, finalised after studying important Sikh shrines the world over, including Golden Temple.
Gulf-based industrialist Surender Singh Kandhari had taken the initiative to build the mega project and permission was taken from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Makhtoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE in 2008.
It took two years for Dubai-based architectural firms Holford Associates and Paul Bishop Design Associates to give shape to the three storyed structure built over 12,5000 sq ft with a basement, a langar (community kitchen) and assembly halls.
Paul Bishop and designer Arafeh Bashir visited the Golden Temple earlier this week and studied frescoes and wall painting at Harmandar Sahib.
Talking to The Indian Express, he said Kandhari had convinced the UAE top authorities about the tolerant teachings of Sikh gurus and the Sheikh not only granted permission for the shrine but also gave free land to the community in the heart of Dubai.
“Richard Adams from UK, who helped design the Singh Sahib Gurdwara at South Hall was also consulted,” said Gunbir, adding that the gurdwara will accommodate over 600 devotees at the langar hall at one time.
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