Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Attends Grand Diwali Celebrations at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi – UAE Lights Up with Tolerance and Joy

In a powerful display of interfaith harmony and UAE-India friendship, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the Festival of Lights (Diwali) celebrations at the magnificent BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening, 8 November 2026.

The high-profile visit highlighted the UAE’s deep commitment to religious coexistence, cultural diversity, and peaceful living side by side. Watch the moment and related coverage here:

https://x.com/MeghUpdates/status/2119973672861749560

Highlights of the Ceremony

Upon arrival, Sheikh Nahyan was warmly welcomed by Swami Brahmaviharidas with a traditional ceremonial garland. A ceremonial band played a fanfare as the distinguished guest entered the Mandir.

He inaugurated the special “Unity of Lights” installation by illuminating seven beams — each representing one of the UAE’s seven Emirates. The display beautifully symbolised the nation’s unity, strength, and collective spirit during the Festival of Lights.

Sheikh Nahyan then lit the ceremonial Diwali lamp and witnessed the traditional Maha Annakut (a “mountain of food”), featuring more than 1,000 sattvic vegetarian dishes prepared by BAPS women volunteers as an offering of gratitude (read about the tradition in Govardhan Puja and Annakut 2026). Members of the Indian community performed vibrant traditional dances showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.

The event was attended by Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri (Chairman of the Department of Community Development), Dr Emmadi Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (Consul General of India), ambassadors, senior government officials, diplomats from countries including Serbia and the Republic of Korea, and community leaders.

Sheikh Nahyan’s Message of Harmony

Addressing thousands of attendees at the Mandir’s amphitheatre, Sheikh Nahyan expressed delight at returning to the BAPS Hindu Mandir. He extended warm Diwali greetings to celebrants in the UAE, India, and around the world, wishing happiness, peace, and prosperity.

He emphasised that tolerance, harmony, and peaceful coexistence are values practised every day in the UAE, praising the Mandir as a place that fills hearts with light, colour, and the warmth of community. He also congratulated volunteers for creating such a joyful celebration.

How the UAE Celebrated Diwali 2026

Diwali lit up the entire UAE with devotion, culture, and festivity (see our Diwali 2026 Abu Dhabi guide and the Dubai and UAE Lakshmi Puja and 5-day guide):

• BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi: Five-day Festival of Lights (6–10 November 2026). The Mandir, normally closed on Mondays, stayed open specially on 9 November. Over 30,000 visitors arrived in the first two days alone. The temple has welcomed nearly five million people from more than 100 countries since its inauguration.

• Hindu Temple, Jebel Ali (Dubai): More than 25,000 worshippers participated in Diwali prayers and celebrations.

• Official Greetings: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended heartfelt Diwali wishes, praying for good health, prosperity, peace, and happiness.

• Public Celebrations: Global Village hosted themed drone shows (hundreds of drones creating Festival of Lights displays). Malls, parks, hotels, and community centres organised cultural performances, rangoli, diya painting, Indian street food, live music, and family activities. Enhanced transport services supported temple visits.

These celebrations reflect the UAE’s model of tolerance — a place where people of all faiths live and celebrate freely under the wise leadership that fosters UAE-India strategic partnership.

A Symbol of Shared Values

The BAPS Hindu Mandir stands as a spiritual oasis and a living bridge between the UAE and India. Sheikh Nahyan’s presence once again reaffirmed that Diwali’s message — the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil — resonates deeply with the UAE’s vision of harmony. Read more about Hindus in the UAE and Diwali celebrations around the world.

As the five-day festivities concluded with Hindu New Year darshan, the Mandir continued to shine as a centre of devotion, seva (selfless service), and global unity.

On behalf of Hindutone.com, we salute the UAE leadership, the BAPS community, and every devotee who made Diwali 2026 in the Emirates so luminous.

Shubh Deepavali! May the light of Diwali continue to illuminate hearts across the UAE, India, and the world.

Sources: Official WAM reports, Gulf Today, The National, BAPS Hindu Mandir updates, and related coverage.