Are you visiting Dubai on holiday during Diwali this year but feeling a little sad that you will miss observing the customary puja at home Then there is some good news for you. You may visit the just-opened ornate Hindu temple in Jebel Ali, the port city to the south of Dubai. 

The temple is located in what is popularly known as the 'worship village', which already houses seven churches and a Gurudwara (Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Gurudwara). The latter was built in 2012. The village is a symbol of religious tolerance and fellow feeling among people of various faiths.

Formally called the Hindu Temple Dubai, it showcases a blend of Indian and Arabic architecture. The temple features ornate pillars, brass spires, striking lattice screens, etc. The pinnacle is marked by a 1.8 m high 'kalash', in keeping with the Indian temple architecture. According to media reports, the 70,000-square-foot house of worship also features 16 prayer rooms, each devoted to different deities from the Indian Hindu pantheon.

Media reports show that the community centre will be open for Hindu religious and social ceremonies.

Visitors are advised to register online before visiting. The temple remains open between 6.30am and 8pm. It can be reached by both car and public transport.