Quick answer: the main Shiva temples in the UAE for Karthika Masam 2026 are the Hindu Temple at Jebel Ali in Dubai, a multi-deity temple that includes Lord Shiva, and the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, a Swaminarayan temple with a Shiv-Parvati shrine. In the UAE, Karthika Masam runs from Tuesday 10 November to Tuesday 8 December 2026, with Somavarams on 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December, and Karthika Pournami on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

This guide has been restored at its original hindutone.com address. The UAE has only a few Hindu temples, so we list only places we are sure of, with the correct city and main deity. We do not give darshan timings, seva prices, phone numbers or street addresses. Please check the temple's official website before you go.

Karthika Masam 2026 dates in the UAE

Karthika is the month most dear to Lord Shiva. Telugu, Kannada and Marathi families observe the whole lunar month that begins just after Diwali, and Tamil and Malayali families mark Karthigai Deepam on the full moon. These are the UAE dates from Drik Panchang for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates:

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  • Karthika Masam begins: Tuesday 10 November 2026.
  • Nagula Chavithi: Friday 13 November 2026.
  • Karthika Somavarams: Monday 16 November, Monday 23 November, Monday 30 November and Monday 7 December 2026.
  • Karthika Pournami and Karthigai Deepam: Tuesday 24 November 2026. Purnima tithi runs from Monday 23 November, 10:12 PM to Tuesday 24 November, 6:53 PM (UAE time). Sunset in Dubai on 24 November is about 5:28 PM, so the evening lamp falls inside the Purnima tithi.
  • Masik Shivaratri: Monday 7 December 2026, which is also the last Somavaram.
  • Karthika Masam ends: Tuesday 8 December 2026 (Amavasya).

For city sunset times and the full list of days, see our Karthika Masam 2026 in Dubai and the UAE guide. Note that UAE Mondays are normal working days, so many families visit the temple in the early morning or after work.

The temples at a glance

TempleCityMain deity
Hindu Temple, Jebel AliDubaiMulti-deity, including Lord Shiva
BAPS Hindu MandirAbu DhabiBhagwan Swaminarayan, with a Shiv-Parvati shrine
Old Bur Dubai temple complex (Shiva and Krishna temples)DubaiLord Shiva; Lord Krishna (see status note)

Shiva temples in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

1. Hindu Temple, Jebel Ali, Dubai

The Hindu Temple at Jebel Ali opened in 2022 in the area of Dubai known for its places of worship of several faiths. It is a multi-deity temple. Lord Shiva is worshipped there together with other deities from across India, including Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha and the Devi, so families from different regions can pray under one roof. For most Shiva devotees in Dubai, this is now the natural place for Karthika Somavaram darshan and for lighting a lamp on Karthika Pournami.

Jebel Ali is far from older parts of the city such as Bur Dubai and Karama, so plan your journey with time to spare, especially on a Monday evening. Visits may need advance registration at busy times. Check the temple's official website for current timings, visiting rules and any Karthika arrangements.

2. BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi

The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi opened in February 2024. It is a traditional stone mandir built by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, and its central murtis are of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the BAPS tradition. It is not a Shiva temple. However, the mandir has seven shrines that represent deities worshipped across India, and one of them is of Shiv-Parvati with Ganesh and Kartikeya. Devotees can therefore have darshan of Lord Shiva and his family here during Karthika.

Because this is a Swaminarayan mandir, rituals follow BAPS practice. Do not expect a Rudrabhishekam or other Shaiva rituals on request. Visitors may need to register online in advance, and the dress code is strictly followed. Check the official website before you travel.

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3. The old Bur Dubai temple complex

For decades, the small temple complex in Bur Dubai, near the creek and the old souk area, was the heart of Hindu worship in Dubai. It held a Shiva temple and a Krishna temple, and generations of NRI families went there for Monday prayers. Reports in early 2024 said the complex was closing and that worship was moving to the Jebel Ali temple. Please confirm the current position locally before you plan a visit. We mention it here because many readers still search for the Bur Dubai Shiva temple by that name.

Other emirates

We are not aware of any long-established public Shiva temple in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain or Al Ain. Families there usually travel to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, or keep Karthika at home. Community associations sometimes arrange private pujas. We do not list these, because details change each year.

What to offer at a Shiva shrine in Karthika

  • A lamp: a ghee or sesame oil lamp is the central offering of Karthika. Use the lamp stand or area the temple provides.
  • Bilva leaves and flowers: bilva leaves are especially dear to Shiva. White flowers such as jasmine are also traditional. Bilva can be hard to find in the UAE, so ask at Indian grocery shops.
  • Fruit and coconut: simple, clean offerings are best. Hand them to the priest or place them where the temple asks.
  • Abhishekam: many temples do not let devotees pour water or milk themselves. Ask whether an abhishekam seva is available and follow the priest's guidance.
  • Mantra: chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" quietly while you circle the shrine is enough. You do not need a long ritual.

Temple etiquette in the UAE

  • Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees. Both main temples expect traditional or modest clothing.
  • Shoes and phones: remove shoes where asked, and follow each temple's rules on photography.
  • Plan for crowds: Mondays, weekends and Karthika Pournami are the busiest times. Early morning visits are calmer.
  • Respect local law: keep processions, loud music and open flames to what the temple itself permits. Light lamps only inside the temple or at home.
  • Timings: check the temple's official website for current timings, as arrangements change during festival months.

Keeping Karthika at home in the UAE

Many NRI families in the UAE cannot visit a temple on every Monday because of work and travel time. Karthika can be kept fully at home. Light a lamp at dawn and at dusk every day of the month, fast or eat simple vegetarian food on Mondays, and offer bilva leaves or flowers to a Shiva linga or picture. On Karthika Pournami evening, light as many lamps as you can on the balcony or by the door, safely and within your building's rules. Our Karthika Masam 2026 rules and Karthika Somavaram 2026 guides explain the customs in detail.

If you are travelling, our guide to Shiva temples to visit during Karthika Masam 2026 in the USA covers temples for families visiting relatives in America.

Frequently asked questions

When is Karthika Masam 2026 in the UAE?

Karthika Masam 2026 begins on Tuesday 10 November and ends on Tuesday 8 December 2026 (Amavasya) in the UAE, following the Drik Panchang amanta calendar. The four Karthika Somavarams are 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December. Karthika Pournami is on Tuesday 24 November 2026.

Is there a Shiva temple in Dubai?

There is no large temple in Dubai dedicated only to Shiva, but the Hindu Temple at Jebel Ali is a multi-deity temple that includes Lord Shiva among its deities. Most Shiva devotees in Dubai worship there.

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Does the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi have a Shiva shrine?

Yes. The BAPS Hindu Mandir is a Swaminarayan temple, and its main murtis are of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Its shrines also include Shiv-Parvati with Ganesh and Kartikeya, so devotees can have darshan of Lord Shiva there. Check the official website for current visiting arrangements before you go.

Is the old Bur Dubai Shiva temple still open?

The Shiva and Krishna temples in the old Bur Dubai complex served the community for decades. Reports in early 2024 said the complex was closing and worship was moving to the Jebel Ali temple. Please confirm the current position locally before planning a visit.

What should I offer at a Shiva shrine in Karthika?

A ghee lamp, bilva leaves where available, white flowers and fruit are traditional. Many temples do not allow devotees to pour water or milk on the murti themselves, so follow the priest's guidance and the temple's own rules.

Where can I find temple timings and puja bookings?

We do not list timings, seva prices or contact details, because they change, especially in festival months. Please check the temple's official website for current timings and bookings.

Editor's note

Editor's note (6 October 2026): This guide has been restored at its original address after the earlier version was lost. We list only temples we are confident exist, with their city and main deity, and we describe the BAPS Hindu Mandir accurately as a Swaminarayan temple with a Shiv-Parvati shrine. Karthika Masam 2026 dates for the UAE follow Drik Panchang. We do not give timings, prices or contact details. Please check the temple's official website before you visit.