All about the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Dubai
Dubai may be known for its glittering skyline, but it also houses some stunning places of worship. These landmarks reflect not only the city’s architectural charm but also the UAE’s religious diversity. One such site is the Guru Nanak Darbar in Dubai, the largest gurdwara in the Gulf region. This Sikh temple in Dubai hosts daily prayers, as well as monthly and annual events. These celebrations play a big role in uniting and energising Dubai’s multicultural community.
History of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai
Named after the founder of Sikhism, the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai is a community-led place of worship that welcomes both Sikh devotees and non-Sikh visitors. Spanning over 125,000 sq. ft., this Gurdwara in Jebel Ali Dubai is among the largest in the world. It holds the distinction of being one of the first ISO-certified gurdwaras globally.
The land for the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar in Dubai was generously granted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. This act reflects the UAE’s strong commitment to religious tolerance. The Sikh temple in Dubai stands as a beacon of peace and harmony for the city’s diverse residents.
Construction of the Dubai Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar began in May 2008 and was completed by December 2011. A year earlier, in 2010, the foundation stone was laid with traditional Sikh rites. The gurdwara was officially inaugurated on 17th January 2012, with nearly 50,000 devotees in attendance and a total construction cost of AED 65 million.
Holford Associates, a well-known architecture firm responsible for many religious sites across Dubai, designed this gurudwara. Additional input from Richard Adams, an architect from the UK known for his work on London’s Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, was also vital. The design team even visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar to closely study its intricate artwork and design elements.
Beyond its stunning architecture, the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar in Dubai has earned international recognition through multiple ISO certifications in areas such as quality, environmental practices, occupational health and safety and food management. It’s not just a place of worship but also a symbol of excellence and unity for the Sikh community in Dubai.
Design of the Temple
The Dubai Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar is a stunning blend of modern and traditional Sikh architecture, making it one of the unique Dubai cultural landmarks.
This Guru Nanak Dev Ji temple in Dubai features underground parking, a community dining hall and a breathtaking prayer area. Visitors are greeted with thoughtful amenities, including Jora Ghar (shoe storage), headscarf stands and full accessibility for the elderly and differently-abled people. A 54-metre Parikarma and a serene water body inspired by the Golden Temple’s Sarovar surround the building, adding to its spiritual atmosphere.
Inside, the pillar-less prayer hall is crowned with a vast dome and detailed with 24-carat gold canopies, Murano chandeliers and Italian marble. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib sits on a central gold-plated platform under a beautifully designed Chandoa Sahib, while daily Kirtan by Ragis from India fills the hall with soul-stirring hymns.
Moreover, the gurdwara features a spacious dining hall that seats up to 900 people at a time.
The layout ensures that no one sits above the Guru Granth Sahib, with chairs for the elderly set at a level below the platform. Whether you’re part of the Sikh community or simply visiting Guru Nanak Darbar, this religious site offers a peaceful, inclusive space that captures the spirit of devotion and community.
Services Offered
Other than prayer services at Guru Nanak Darbar, you can avail the following facilities:
- Akhand Path sahib
- Sehaj Path
- Sukhmani Sahib Path
- Kirtan
- Langar
- Child Naming Ceremony
- Child Amrit Ceremony
- Engagement
- Anand Karaj – Wedding Ceremony
- Matrimonial Services
- Housewarming Prayer
- Birthday or Anniversary Prayer
- Condolence or Memorial Prayer
Getting There
You can reach Guru Nanak Darbar via Sheikh Zayed Road, after which you can take exit 25 or interchange no. 6. Take the first right upon reaching Jebel Ali Hospital, followed by another right, and you will finally have the grand Sikh temple towards the left.
Those using public transport to reach Guru Nanak Darbar in Dubai, the nearest metro station is the one serving the Ibn Battuta Mall.
Once you get off at Ibn Battuta Metro Station, get a taxi to reach the place. If you are visiting on Fridays, remember that there is a free shuttle service by Guru Nanak Darbar, which you can board from the Energy Metro Station.
Guru Nanak Darbar Contact Details
You can reach out to the Sikh temple at:
- Phone: +971-4-882-7550 | +971-4-882-7551
- Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai Address: 3806, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Here’s the map of the location of Guru Nanak Darbar UAE:
As for Gurdwara Dubai timings, the site opens at 04:00 am daily.
- Darshan or visiting hours: Daily, 04:30 am – 08:30 pm
- Administration office: Daily: 08:00 am – 09:00 pm
FAQs
What is the Dress Code for Visiting Guru Nanak Darbar?
Both male and female visitors should show reverence for the religious place by wearing the traditional headscarf. Alternately, you can cover your head with a handkerchief or any other piece of cloth. If you forget to bring a scarf or handkerchief, the gurdwara administration will provide you with one. It helps to be aware of the dress code for tourists in Dubai.
Do Tourists Have to Make Prior Reservations at Guru Nanak Darbar?
Tourists can easily gain entrance to the gurdwara. However, you should call and inform the administration if you are visiting with a large group.
Does Guru Nanak Darbar have Parking Facilities?
Guru Nanak Darbar has three levels of underground parking and two floors above ground. Each parking level can accommodate up to 140 cars.
Does the gurudwara offer langar?
Yes, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Dubai offers langar, a free vegetarian meal served to all visitors, regardless of their religion, background or social status. The langar is prepared fresh in the gurdwara’s state-of-the-art kitchen and is supported entirely by donations and volunteer service, known as seva.
Langar timings are as follows:
- Breakfast: 07:30 am to 10:00 am
- Lunch: 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm
- Dinner: 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm
This wraps up our guide on Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai. Before the construction of this gurdwara, Sikhs in Dubai primarily worshipped at the Bur Dubai temple. You can read more about temples in Bur Dubai on our blog as well.
However, with the creation of this gurdwara, Sikh expatriates, as well as tourists, can fulfil their spiritual needs just as they would at their temples back home.
Another such place of worship in the UAE is the new Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, which will be the first temple in the capital city to serve the Hindu community.
Featured Image Credit: Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai Facebook Page
