# Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai: first Sikh gurdwara in the GCC, inaugurated 2012 in Jebel Ali. Timings, history, langar & visitor guide. ![Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurunanak%20Darbar%20Dubai%2C%20Jebel%20Ali%20Village.jpg&w=1200) Historical regional # Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai, is a landmark Sikh gurdwara situated in Jebel Ali Village, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Inaugurated on January 17, 2012, it holds the distinction of being the first official Sikh place of worship in the entire Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the broader Middle East, representing a historic milestone for the global Sikh diaspora. The gurdwara serves as the spiritual and community hub for Dubai's estimated 50,000 Sikh residents, while also welcoming an astonishing 15,000 visitors every Sunday and approximately 800,000 people annually to its celebrated langar (community kitchen). Sprawling across 120,000 square feet of land with 100,000 square feet of built-up area, the three-story complex was constructed at a cost of AED 65 million (approximately USD 20 million). The land itself was gifted free of charge by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, making Sikhism the second faith after Christianity to receive official sanction for a dedicated place of worship in the emirate — a testament to the UAE's celebrated spirit of religious tolerance and coexistence. Beyond its spiritual role, Guru Nanak Darbar is a fully operational community institution offering Akhand Path (continuous scripture recitation), Sehaj Path, Sukhmani Sahib Path, daily Kirtan (devotional music), and a comprehensive range of lifecycle ceremonies including Anand Karaj (Sikh wedding), child naming, and memorial prayers. The gurdwara has achieved international recognition as the first ISO-certified gurdwara in the world, holding certifications for Quality Management (ISO 9001:2015), Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2015), Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 45001:2018), and Food Safety Management (ISO 22000:2018). It also holds a Guinness World Record for serving breakfast to over 600 people representing 101 different nationalities in a single event. Featured prominently on the official Dubai Tourism website, it is recognized not only as a place of worship but as one of Dubai's notable cultural attractions, drawing visitors of every faith and background. ## Significance Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai, carries profound religious, cultural, and symbolic significance on multiple levels. Spiritually, it is named after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, whose teachings of equality, selfless service (seva), and devotion to the one formless God form the foundation of the Sikh faith. The gurdwara embodies these principles daily through its open-door policy, its langar that feeds thousands without distinction of faith, nationality, or class, and its perpetual recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs. For the Sikh diaspora across the Middle East, this gurdwara is far more than a prayer hall. It is a center of identity, community, and cultural continuity in a region far from the Punjab heartland. The Hukamnama (the daily divine decree drawn from the Guru Granth Sahib) is transmitted via the internet to Sikhs worldwide, connecting the Dubai congregation to the global Sikh community. The gurdwara's existence in a predominantly Muslim country, made possible through interfaith dialogue and the generosity of the UAE government, stands as a powerful symbol of religious pluralism and coexistence. Its ISO certifications and Guinness World Record further demonstrate that the principles of excellence and service enshrined in Sikh teachings can be upheld to the highest international standards. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### معبد السكه الغورو نانك دربار دبي, UAE 1 m away معبد السكه الغورو نانك دربار is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in دبي, UAE. It is situated in UAE. As with all gurdwaras, معبد السكه الغورو نانك دربار welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ### Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar De Dubai United Arab Emirates 3 m away Daily: Darshan (visiting) 4:30 AM – 8:30... Guru Nanak Darbar is the first official Sikh gurdwara in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and the entire Middle East, located in the Churches Complex at Jebel Ali Village, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Named after Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, this magnificent structure stands as a spiritual beacon for the Sikh community in the UAE. The gurdwara serves over 50,000 Sikh residents of the emirate and attracts more than 800,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most visited religious sites in Dubai. Situated along Sheikh Zayed Road at Exit 25 (Interchange 6), the three-story gurdwara spans over 100,000 square feet of built area on a plot of approximately 25,400 square feet, gifted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This generous gesture underscored Dubai's enduring commitment to religious tolerance and multicultural harmony. The gurdwara is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, which artfully blends traditional Sikh design elements with contemporary construction techniques. Its gold-plated dome, Italian marble interiors, Murano crystal chandeliers, and a reflective pond inspired by the legendary sarovar of the Golden Temple in Amritsar create an atmosphere of profound serenity and grandeur. A 54-meter circumambulatory Parikrama pathway allows devotees to perform their ritual walk in quiet contemplation. Guru Nanak Darbar has earned remarkable global recognition: it is the first ISO-certified gurdwara in the world, holding certifications for Quality Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Food Management, and Environmental Standards. In April 2017, it entered the Guinness World Records by hosting the 'Breakfast for Diversity' event — serving breakfast simultaneously to over 600 people from 101 different nationalities, celebrating the UAE's Year of Giving and breaking the previous record of 55 nationalities. The gurdwara is a welcoming space open to people of all faiths. Its celebrated langar (community kitchen) serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors, embodying the Sikh principles of seva (selfless service) and sarbat da bhala (welfare of all). Daily religious programs include the Asa ki Var (morning hymns) at 5:30 AM followed by Ardas at 7:15 AM, and evening programs from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. On Fridays, full-day Kirtan sessions fill the prayer hall with devotional music. The gurdwara also hosts Akhand Path, and Sikh wedding celebrations (Anand Karaj), serving as the spiritual and cultural hub of the South Asian diaspora in the Gulf. Historical ### بناية غردوارا المعبد السكه الغورو نانك دربار دبي, UAE 35 m away يفتح المعبد يومياً من 4:00 صباحاً؛ ساعات... بناية غردوارا المعبد السكه الغورو نانك دربار، المعروفة رسمياً بـ Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai، هي أكبر غردوارا (معبد سيخي) في منطقة الخليج العربي والشرق الأوسط بأسرها. تقع في منطقة جبل علي بدبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة، على مساحة تتجاوز 125,000 قدم مربع، وقد فتحت أبوابها رسمياً في يناير 2012 لخدمة ما يزيد على 50,000 سيخي يقيمون في الإمارة. تُمثّل هذه الغردوارا نقطة تحوّل تاريخية للمجتمع السيخي في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي، إذ كانت أول معبد سيخي رسمي مرخّص في المنطقة بأكملها. تضطلع الغردوارا بدور محوري في الحياة الدينية والاجتماعية والثقافية للسيخ المقيمين في دبي وسائر أنحاء الإمارات. تُقام داخلها الصلوات اليومية وقراءة الكتاب المقدس السيخي "آدي غرانث"، فضلاً عن احتفالات المواليد والزيجات وطقوس الجنازة. كما تُنظّم فعاليات توعوية وخيرية واجتماعية تخدم المجتمع المحلي بمختلف جنسياته وأديانه. تُرحّب الغردوارا بزوار من جميع الأديان والجنسيات دون أي رسوم دخول، متجسّدةً مبدأ السيخية الأصيل القائم على المساواة والانفتاح. وقد سجّلت الغردوارا رقماً قياسياً في موسوعة غينيس للأرقام القياسية في أبريل 2017، حين قدّمت وجبة الإفطار لأكثر من 600 شخص من 101 جنسية مختلفة في يوم واحد، مما يعكس روح الأخوّة الإنسانية التي تجسّدها هذه المؤسسة. يستقطب المبنى الشامخ والمتميّز معمارياً آلاف الزوار سنوياً من السياح والباحثين والمؤمنين على حدٍّ سواء، وقد أصبح معلماً بارزاً في مشهد دبي الديني والحضاري. تقدّم الغردوارا خدمة اللانغر (المطبخ المجتمعي المجاني) ثلاث مرات يومياً على مدار أيام الأسبوع، مما يجعلها مركزاً حيوياً للتلاقي والتعاضد الإنساني في قلب الإمارات. Community ## Detailed History The story of Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai, begins decades before its 2012 inauguration. The Sikh community in the UAE, which had grown significantly through the influx of professionals, traders, and laborers from the Indian subcontinent, had long sought an official place of worship. Proposals for a formal gurdwara had reportedly been submitted to authorities for approximately 27 years before finally receiving approval. The breakthrough came through the sustained efforts of Surender Singh Kandhari, a businessman who had been a resident of Dubai since 1976. Kandhari recognized the spiritual and social needs of the growing Sikh population and persistently engaged with Dubai authorities to secure official permission. A key moment came when the Sikh community's submission to the Council of Imams — the body overseeing religious affairs in Dubai — emphasized the theological commonalities between Sikhism and Islam, including the shared belief in one formless God and rejection of idol worship. The historical bond between Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and his Muslim companion Bhai Mardana was also highlighted. The Council of Imams gave its consent, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the project, gifting 25,400 square feet of land for construction free of charge. Construction formally began in May 2008, with the foundation-laying ceremony conducted in June 2010 with full Sikh religious rites. The project was undertaken during the global financial crisis, yet the community — supported by Sikhs worldwide — raised the required AED 65 million. Construction was completed in December 2011, and the gurdwara was officially declared open on January 17, 2012, with a historic gathering of nearly 50,000 devotees. Surender Singh Kandhari became the founding Chairman of the institution. The gurdwara was designed by Dubai-based Holford Associates in collaboration with UK architect Richard Adams, who had previously worked on the celebrated Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in London. The architects visited Sikh temples worldwide, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar, before finalizing the design. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The centrepiece of the gurdwara is the pillar-less main Darbar Sahib on the first floor, capable of accommodating thousands of worshippers simultaneously. It features Italian marble flooring and walls, 24-carat gold canopies, imported Murano crystal chandeliers from Italy, purple carpeting, and an 18-meter diameter gold-plated lotus dome at its heart. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed on a raised palki (palanquin) platform beneath the dome. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pond) sarovar Inspired by the sacred Amrit Sarovar surrounding the Golden Temple in Amritsar, a reflective pond encircles the gurdwara complex. The pond creates a breathtaking mirror reflection of the illuminated gold and white structure after sunset and is incorporated into the 54-meter Parikarma (circumambulatory pathway) used for devotional circumambulation. ### Langar Hall and Kitchen langar_hall Located on the ground floor, the langar hall seats 900 people simultaneously and is served by an ISO 22000:2018-certified state-of-the-art kitchen. The kitchen operates with specialised industrial equipment, including a chapati-making machine capable of producing 1,800 rotis per hour, enabling the preparation of up to 15,000 meals every Sunday. ### Parikarma (Circumambulatory Pathway) entrance A 54-meter circumambulatory pathway encircles the main shrine, decorated with intricate traditional grill work. Devotees walk the Parikarma as an act of devotion, similar to the practice at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The pathway overlooks the Sarovar and provides a tranquil environment for prayer and reflection. ### Multi-Storey Parking and Community Hall museum Three basement levels provide parking for over 420 vehicles, ensuring accessibility for the large congregations that visit every week. The first floor also houses a 3,000-person capacity community function hall with a stage, used for cultural programmes, weddings (Anand Karaj), and large community gatherings. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering mandatory for all visitors (scarves/patkas provided free at entrance); remove shoes before entering; modest clothing required — no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless attire ### Photography Photography generally permitted in exterior and langar areas; restricted or not permitted inside the main Darbar Sahib — visitors should follow staff instructions ### Etiquette Bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji; maintain silence in the prayer hall; do not turn your back to the Guru Granth Sahib; join the langar sitting in rows on the floor as a mark of equality; receive Prasad (sacred food offering) with both hands; photography may be restricted inside the prayer hall — follow staff guidance ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Langar hall seats 900 people simultaneously; approximately 15,000 vegetarian meals served every Sunday; approximately 1,500 meals on weekdays; capacity rises to 40,000 during major festivals; over 800,000 people served annually Seating Capacity ## Architecture Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai, is an architectural landmark drawing inspiration from the iconic Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar. Designed by Holford Associates (Dubai) in collaboration with UK architect Richard Adams, the beige and gold structure spans 100,000 square feet across three floors and three basement levels. The centrepiece is an 18-meter diameter dome, gold-plated in the shape of a lotus flower, housing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji on a raised platform at the heart of the main Darbar Sahib. The pillar-less prayer hall — designed to maximise unobstructed congregation space — is adorned with Italian marble flooring and walls, 24-carat gold canopies, and imported Murano crystal chandeliers from Italy. A 54-meter circumambulatory pathway (Parikarma), surrounded by intricate decorative grill work, encircles the complex. Inspired by the Golden Temple's sacred Amrit Sarovar, a reflective pond surrounds the structure, creating a stunning mirror image of the illuminated gurdwara after dark. The basement levels provide parking for over 420 vehicles. The ground floor houses the langar hall, kitchen, administrative offices, and reception, while the first floor contains the main prayer hall and a 3,000-person capacity function hall. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The centrepiece of the gurdwara is the pillar-less main Darbar Sahib on the first floor, capable of accommodating thousands of worshippers simultaneously. It features Italian marble flooring and walls, 24-carat gold canopies, imported Murano crystal chandeliers from Italy, purple carpeting, and an 18-meter diameter gold-plated lotus dome at its heart. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed on a raised palki (palanquin) platform beneath the dome. ### Sarovar (Sacred Pond) sarovar Inspired by the sacred Amrit Sarovar surrounding the Golden Temple in Amritsar, a reflective pond encircles the gurdwara complex. The pond creates a breathtaking mirror reflection of the illuminated gold and white structure after sunset and is incorporated into the 54-meter Parikarma (circumambulatory pathway) used for devotional circumambulation. ### Langar Hall and Kitchen langar_hall Located on the ground floor, the langar hall seats 900 people simultaneously and is served by an ISO 22000:2018-certified state-of-the-art kitchen. The kitchen operates with specialised industrial equipment, including a chapati-making machine capable of producing 1,800 rotis per hour, enabling the preparation of up to 15,000 meals every Sunday. ### Parikarma (Circumambulatory Pathway) entrance A 54-meter circumambulatory pathway encircles the main shrine, decorated with intricate traditional grill work. Devotees walk the Parikarma as an act of devotion, similar to the practice at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The pathway overlooks the Sarovar and provides a tranquil environment for prayer and reflection. ### Multi-Storey Parking and Community Hall museum Three basement levels provide parking for over 420 vehicles, ensuring accessibility for the large congregations that visit every week. The first floor also houses a 3,000-person capacity community function hall with a stage, used for cultural programmes, weddings (Anand Karaj), and large community gatherings. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Gurpurab The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the gurdwara's namesake, is the most significant annual celebration. The event draws enormous crowds for Akhand Path, Kirtan, nagar kirtan (procession), and extended langar service feeding tens of thousands of people from all faiths. ### festival #### Baisakhi Baisakhi, the Sikh New Year and harvest festival celebrated in April, marks the founding of the Khalsa Panth in 1699. The gurdwara hosts special prayers, Kirtan programmes, and a grand langar. It is one of the most festive and well-attended events at Guru Nanak Darbar, drawing both Sikh devotees and visitors of other faiths. #### Hola Mohalla Hola Mohalla, celebrated the day after Holi, is observed with martial arts demonstrations, poetry, and music in the Sikh tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The gurdwara marks this occasion with special prayers and Kirtan, and an extended langar for the community. ### weekly #### Friday Full-Day Kirtan Every Friday, Guru Nanak Darbar hosts a full-day Kirtan service, making it the most spiritually vibrant day of the week. A free shuttle service operates from Energy Metro Station to the gurdwara for worshippers, reflecting the high attendance on this day. The langar also operates at peak capacity. ### historical #### Guinness World Record Breakfast Diversity Event Guru Nanak Darbar hosted a record-breaking breakfast event at Jebel Ali Gardens, Dubai, serving over 600 people simultaneously representing 101 different nationalities. This event earned the gurdwara a Guinness World Record and exemplified the Sikh principle of equality and universal brotherhood (Ik Onkar). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai is open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Darshan (visiting hours) are 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM. The administrative office operates from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Note that timings may be revised on special occasions or during events, so it is advisable to call ahead at +971-4-882-7550. Yes, entry to Guru Nanak Darbar is completely free for all visitors, regardless of faith, nationality, or background. In keeping with the Sikh tradition of equality and hospitality, the gurdwara also provides free vegetarian meals (langar) three times a day to all visitors. All visitors must cover their heads before entering — scarves and head coverings are available free of charge at the entrance if needed. Shoes must be removed and stored in dedicated areas before entering the prayer hall. Modest clothing is required; shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops, and revealing attire are not permitted. Both men and women should be modestly dressed. The langar serves approximately 15,000 free vegetarian meals every Sunday and around 1,500 meals on weekdays, rising to 40,000 during major festivals. Breakfast is served 7:30–10:00 AM, lunch 12:00–3:00 PM, and dinner 7:00–8:30 PM. All meals are free for everyone, and the kitchen operates with a chapati-making machine producing 1,800 rotis per hour. ### history Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai was founded by businessman Surender Singh Kandhari, who had been a Dubai resident since 1976. Construction began in May 2008 after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum gifted the land free of charge. The gurdwara was completed in December 2011 at a cost of AED 65 million and officially inaugurated on January 17, 2012, in the presence of nearly 50,000 devotees. It is the first official Sikh gurdwara in the GCC region and the Middle East. Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai holds several distinctions: it is the first and largest official Sikh gurdwara in the GCC and Middle East; it is the first ISO-certified gurdwara in the world (holding four ISO certifications); and it holds a Guinness World Record for serving breakfast to over 600 people from 101 nationalities. It was built on land gifted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as a symbol of the UAE's religious tolerance. The gurdwara celebrates all major Sikh festivals including Guru Nanak Gurpurab (birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji), Baisakhi (the Sikh New Year and harvest festival), Hola Mohalla, and the Gurpurabs of other Sikh Gurus. Daily Kirtan (devotional music) is performed, with full-day Kirtan on Fridays and sponsored Kirtan on Saturday evenings. Special community events include the Guinness World Record diversity breakfast. ### transport The gurdwara is located in Jebel Ali Village, Dubai. By road, take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) toward Abu Dhabi and exit at Exit 25 (Interchange 6). The nearest metro station is Ibn Battuta Mall (approximately 2.9 km away); taxis from there cost around AED 15-20. A free shuttle service operates on Fridays from Energy Metro Station. Dubai International Airport is approximately 38 km away, around 30 minutes by taxi or car. 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