Top 10 Hindu Temples Celebrating Dussehra in UAE 2025: timings, aarti, darshan tips, travel, etiquette, and FAQs. Plan your UAE temple visits with confidence.

Top 10 Hindu Temples Celebrating Dussehra in UAE 2025: Complete Worship Guide

Planning your Dussehra in the Emirates? You’re in the right place. This Complete Worship Guide to the Top 10 Hindu Temples Celebrating Dussehra in UAE 2025 helps you choose where to seek darshan, how to time your visits, and what to expect at each location—so you can worship with focus, ease, and reverence.

Because the UAE has a small but vibrant network of public Hindu mandirs, this list includes the main temples and temple-led community venues where Dussehra and Navratri programs typically happen. You’ll find city-by-city notes, aarti etiquette, travel and parking tips, fasting guidance, and essential safety and compliance reminders that keep celebrations respectful and lawful.

Reading time: 22–28 minutes
Best for: Hindu religious community, temple seekers, first-time visitors, and volunteers

Table of Contents

At a Glance: Top 10 Dussehra Destinations (Featured Snippet)
2025 Dates and Muhurat Notes for the UAE
How to Use This Worship Guide
Temple Profiles and Temple-Led Venues (Top 10)
- 1) BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi
- 2) Hindu Temple Dubai (Jebel Ali)
- 3) Shri Shiva Temple, Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi)
- 4) Shri Krishna Temple, Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi)
- 5) Temple-Led Navratri & Dussehra Programs in Abu Dhabi City
- 6) Temple-Led Community Celebrations in Dubai (Halls & Clubs)
- 7) Zabeel Park Garba Nights (Temple-Partnered Cultural Evenings)
- 8) Sharjah Temple-Led Satsang & Aarti (Community Halls)
- 9) Ajman & Northern Emirates Temple-Led Gatherings
- 10) Special Dussehra Programs for Children & Youth (Temple-Hosted)
Worship Essentials: Aarti Etiquette, Dress, and Prasad
Fasting (Vrat) in the UAE: What’s Allowed and Where to Shop
Travel & Accessibility: Metro, Parking, and Peak Hours
Safety, Compliance, and Photography Rules
Key Statistics and Trends (with sources)
Resources and Useful Links
Checklists You Can Use Today

At a Glance: Top 10 Dussehra Destinations (Featured Snippet)

For a quick plan of “Top 10 Hindu Temples Celebrating Dussehra in UAE 2025,” start here. Always confirm final schedules directly.

BAPS Hindu Mandir (Abu Dhabi): Landmark temple with Navratri pujas, aarti, and family programs; schedules on mandir site.
Hindu Temple Dubai (Jebel Ali): Multi-deity mandir with daily worship and Dussehra aarti; check official timings.
Shri Shiva Temple (Bur Dubai): Historic old-town temple; expect queues at peak hours.
Shri Krishna Temple (Bur Dubai): Neighboring temple in Al Fahidi; beloved for bhajans and prasad.
Abu Dhabi City (Temple-led venues): Temple teams host Dussehra satsang and cultural programs in approved halls.
Dubai Community Halls & Clubs: Temple-led aarti, bhajans, and cultural showcases with family seating.
Zabeel Park Garba Nights: City-scale, temple-partnered cultural evenings; LED, no-flame stagecraft.
Sharjah Community Halls: Temple-led satsang and aarti for families; cozy, volunteer-driven.
Ajman & Northern Emirates: Temple-led Dussehra gatherings via authorized venues; confirm locally.
Children & Youth Programs: Temple-hosted story circles, values talks, and costume skits during Navratri.

Note: The UAE has a limited number of public Hindu temples; many Dussehra observances happen in temple-led community venues. Always follow the venue’s rules and the temple’s guidance.

2025 Dates and Muhurat Notes for the UAE

Navratri Day 1 (Pratipada): Monday, 22 September 2025
Maha Ashtami: Monday, 29 September 2025
Maha Navami: Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Vijayadashami (Dussehra): Wednesday, 1 October 2025

What this means:

Tithis are sunrise-based and location-specific. UAE muhurats differ from India by 1–2 hours.
Follow your temple’s published muhurat for Ghatasthapana, Sandhi Puja, Kanya Puja, and Vijayadashami aarti.
Community events may schedule evenings/weekends for accessibility. Worship by muhurat; attend programs by venue timing.

Where to verify:

BAPS Mandir (Abu Dhabi) schedule
Hindu Temple Dubai (Jebel Ali) timing updates
Temple notice boards and official social pages

How to Use This Worship Guide

Choose your main darshan nights: Day 1, Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami.
Check the temple’s page for muhurat windows before you lock plans.
For families, pair a temple aarti with a temple-led cultural evening in a nearby hall.
Keep a backup option in the same city in case lines are longer than expected.

Temple Profiles and Temple-Led Venues (Top 10)

Each profile includes highlights, what to expect, etiquette, and travel guidance. Verify exact times on official pages before you go.

1) BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi

A landmark stone mandir inaugurated in 2024, now a focal point for UAE Hindu festivals.

Highlights
- Daily aarti and special Navratri pujas.
- Family-friendly values talks, kirtans, and seva opportunities.
- Organized queues, cleanliness, and calm darshan experience.
What to expect for Dussehra 2025
- Weeknight/evening aartis; enhanced programs on Ashtami/Navami/Vijayadashami.
- Clear signage, shoe racks, and volunteer assistance throughout.
- Strict photography rules near sanctum; follow posted guidance.
Travel & practicals
- Plan a buffer for traffic; aim for early-evening arrival.
- Dress modestly and carry light.
- Check the official site for hours and announcements.
Official link: BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi

2) Hindu Temple Dubai (Jebel Ali)

A modern, multi-deity mandir serving Dubai’s growing community.

Highlights
- Daily aarti, prasad, and multi-language support.
- Temple events during Navratri and on Vijayadashami evenings.
- Efficient crowd management and accessible facilities.
What to expect for Dussehra 2025
- Steady footfall on all nine nights; peaks on weekends and Ashtami/Navami.
- Devotional music, orderly darshan, and temple-guided conduct.
- LED/no-flame decor in line with safety requirements.
Travel & practicals
- Use Metro + short taxi or drive early; parking gets busy.
- Respect lines and maintain silence near sanctum.
- Check the temple’s official page for muhurat and aarti updates.
Official link: Hindu Temple Dubai

3) Shri Shiva Temple, Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi)

One of Dubai’s historic mandirs, tucked in the old quarter near the creek.

Highlights
- Intimate worship experience; beloved by long-time residents.
- Aarti and prasad distribution; steady evening darshan.
- Rich sense of continuity and tradition.
What to expect for Dussehra 2025
- Queues at peak times; gentle flow maintained by volunteers.
- Compact lanes; plan light footwear and modest attire.
- Short bhajans, bell chimes, and focused aarti.
Travel & practicals
- Access via Dubai Creek area; parking is limited—use Metro/bus + short walk.
- Keep bags small and follow shoe-rack etiquette.
- Confirm timings on notice boards or by phone before you go.

4) Shri Krishna Temple, Bur Dubai (Al Fahidi)

Neighboring the Shiva temple, this mandir centers Krishna devotion in old Dubai.

Highlights
- Daily aarti, devotional songs, and festive prasad.
- Tight-knit community and welcoming volunteers.
- Close to markets—combine darshan with quick errands if needed.
What to expect for Dussehra 2025
- Evening aarti and festival bhajans; peak lines on key nights.
- Simple, soulful worship with minimal embellishment.
- Keep darshan focused; maintain sanctum silence.
Travel & practicals
- Similar access and bag etiquette as the Shiva temple.
- Dress modestly; be mindful of narrow passages.
- Confirm special timings in advance.

The two Bur Dubai temples are adjacent; many families visit both in one trip. Plan early arrival and carry water for a smooth evening.

5) Temple-Led Navratri & Dussehra Programs in Abu Dhabi City

Temple teams frequently organize additional programs in approved Abu Dhabi venues.

What this includes
- Satsang, bhajans, children’s recitals, and values talks.
- Temple priests or volunteers guiding short pujas and aarti.
- Family seating and clear entry/exit flow.
How to join
- Watch the main temple’s site and social posts for dates.
- Pre-register if the venue has limited seating.
- Respect the venue’s no-flame, no-fireworks policy.

6) Temple-Led Community Celebrations in Dubai (Halls & Clubs)

In Dubai, additional Navratri/Dussehra observances often happen in community halls or club auditoriums in partnership with temples.

What this includes
- Bhajan evenings, Ramayana storytelling, and kids’ skits.
- Short aarti led by temple representatives.
- Allergen-labeled prasad and water stations.
How to join
- Follow temple posts and community groups for invite links.
- Arrive early; bring a small shawl and sit close to aisles for easy movement.
- Photography by permission only; no flash during aarti.

7) Zabeel Park Garba Nights (Temple-Partnered Cultural Evenings)

While not a temple, Zabeel Park is often home to marquee Navratri garba/dandiya nights. Many groups coordinate culturally with temple volunteers for decorum and values-led intros.

What to expect
- LED, no-flame stagecraft; dance circles for all ages.
- Park entry via Nol card; separate event ticket commonly required.
- Security checks, wristbands, and clear rules.
Worship note
- Attend temple aarti first, then enjoy garba in the evening for a full festival day.

8) Sharjah Temple-Led Satsang & Aarti (Community Halls)

Sharjah’s family-centric gatherings often feature temple-led satsang and aarti in approved community venues.

What to expect
- Compact halls, heartfelt bhajans, and quiet aarti.
- Volunteer-managed entries and prasad lines.
- Early-evening programs fit well for families with children.
How to join
- Watch community association pages and temple posts.
- Carpool to reduce parking stress; bring a light jacket.

9) Ajman & Northern Emirates Temple-Led Gatherings

Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah host festival gatherings in approved venues where temple teams or trained volunteers guide aarti and bhajans.

What to expect
- Intimate, respectful worship with local volunteers.
- Clear conduct rules; no open-flame decor.
- Short, focused programs for community bonding.
How to join
- Join local WhatsApp groups or follow Indian associations.
- Confirm dates and capacity; many are RSVP-only.

10) Special Dussehra Programs for Children & Youth (Temple-Hosted)

Temples and temple-led venues often run child-friendly festival learning.

What to expect
- Story circles on Rama’s values, short-costume skits, and art corners.
- “Victory of good choices” pledge boards for kids.
- Simple prasad; allergy labels increasingly common.
How to join
- Watch temple bulletins and kids’ program calendars.
- Register early; bring water, wipes, and comfortable footwear.

Worship Essentials: Aarti Etiquette, Dress, and Prasad

Aarti etiquette
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early.
- Follow volunteer guidance; keep aisles free.
- Maintain silence near the sanctum; phones on silent.
Dress and conduct
- Modest ethnic wear; shawl or light layer for AC.
- Avoid strong fragrances; keep jewelry minimal.
- Ask before close-up photos; never use flash near aarti.
Prasad
- Accept with the right hand respectfully.
- Consume outside the main sanctum as directed.
- Use bins for disposables; avoid wastage.

In the UAE, open flames and fireworks are generally restricted at cultural venues. Temples and temple-led events use LED or projection effects while keeping worship authentic and serene.

Fasting (Vrat) in the UAE: What’s Allowed and Where to Shop

Commonly allowed (confirm your parampara)
- Fruits, milk, yogurt, nuts, dates
- Sabudana (tapioca), kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut)
- Samak (barnyard millet), rajgira (amaranth), potatoes, sweet potatoes
- Sendha namak (rock salt), cumin, green chilies, lemon
- Ghee, peanut oil, coconut oil
Usually avoided
- Regular salt; cereals (wheat/rice); most pulses (except kala chana after Ashtami in some traditions)
- Onion and garlic
- Packaged snacks with additives
Where to shop
- Dubai: Bur Dubai, Karama, and Meena Bazaar grocers carry vrat items and mithai.
- Abu Dhabi: Compact Indian grocers near Electra/Madinat Zayed.
- Sharjah/Northern Emirates: Neighborhood grocers stock vrat flours during Navratri.
Simple vrat plan for busy weekdays
- Pre-aarti: roasted makhana or fruit–yogurt.
- Dinner: samak khichdi or kuttu roti with aloo sabzi.
- Treat: sabudana kheer or rajgira laddoo.

Health note:

Hydrate with water, coconut water, or lemon water + a pinch of sendha namak.
If you have medical conditions, consult your physician before fasting.
Children and pregnant women can choose satvik meals without fasting and fully join aarti.

Travel & Accessibility: Metro, Parking, and Peak Hours

Getting around
- Dubai: Metro + short taxi often beats parking stress.
- Abu Dhabi: Drive early; plan a calm exit window.
- Sharjah/Northern Emirates: Carpool; confirm venue parking rules.
Peak hours
- Expect lines on Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami evenings.
- Arrive 15–30 minutes early; have water and a small towel.
Accessibility
- Ask venues about wheelchair access and accessible restrooms.
- Use aisle seating for elders and families with toddlers.
- Bring ear protection for sound-sensitive kids.

Safety, Compliance, and Photography Rules

Compliance
- Follow posted conduct; no open flames or fireworks unless expressly permitted.
- Keep aisles and exits clear; respect capacity guidance.
Photography
- Some sanctum areas restrict photos; always ask.
- No flash during aarti; mute shutters if possible.
- Avoid filming people without consent, especially children.
Fundraising
- Temple donations are welcome; external fundraising is regulated.
- Support only authorized charity drives at events.

Key Statistics and Trends (with sources)

Indians form the UAE’s largest expatriate community, estimated at well over 3 million residents—energizing festival participation and temple volunteering. Source: UAE Government portal (u.ae).
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi opened in 2024, adding a landmark worship center and organized programming for families. Source: BAPS Hindu Mandir.
UAE internet and smartphone penetration exceed 99%, enabling temple livestreams, digital schedule updates, and QR-based entry where applicable. Source: DataReportal – Digital 2024: UAE (datareportal.com).
Large Dubai cultural events typically use LED/no-flame stagecraft, aligning with safety and venue policies in public spaces and parks. Source: Dubai Municipality and venue policies (dm.gov.ae; venue notices).

These trends explain why the Top 10 Hindu Temples Celebrating Dussehra in UAE 2025: Complete Worship Guide focuses on temple darshan combined with temple-led community venues for accessible, safe, and family-friendly worship.

Resources and Useful Links

Checklists You Can Use Today

Family Day-Of Checklist (Aarti-Ready in 10 Minutes)

Modest ethnic wear + light shawl
Small bag, water bottle, and hand wipes
Phone on silent; ticket/ID if visiting a temple-led venue
Arrive 20–30 minutes early; follow volunteer guidance
Quiet near sanctum; accept prasad respectfully

First-Time Visitor Etiquette Cards

Remove shoes at the designated rack.
Keep aisles clear; queue patiently.
No flash near sanctum; ask before photos.
Use bins for disposables; avoid waste.

Weeknight Minimalist Home Ritual

Morning: 5 minutes of mantra; offer flowers.
Evening: diya, short Durga stuti, aarti, prasad.
Ashtami/Navami: confirm Sandhi Puja and Kanya Puja timings with your temple.

Volunteer’s Quick Brief (Temple-Led Venues)

Exits clear; mark stroller/elder seating.
Water stations stocked; prasad line signage ready.
Photo rules announced; no-flame policy reiterated.
First-aid contact and lost-and-found protocol posted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public Hindu temples are in the UAE?

A few, centered in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Dussehra worship also happens through temple-led programs in approved community venues across other emirates.

When is Dussehra in 2025 in the UAE?

Many panchangs list Wednesday, 1 October 2025 for Vijayadashami. Always follow your temple’s local muhurat for aarti and special puja.

Can we attend both temple aarti and a garba night?

Yes. Many families do aarti at a mandir and then attend a temple-partnered garba or cultural evening. Worship by muhurat; events by venue schedule.

Are open flames or Ravana effigy burning allowed?

Generally no in public venues. UAE events use LED or projection alternatives. Temples prioritize safe, compliant practices.

What should I wear to the temple?

Modest ethnic wear is best. Carry a light shawl for AC. Keep jewelry simple and shoes easy to remove.

Can children participate in Dussehra worship?

Absolutely. Many temples include child-friendly bhajans, story circles, and short skits. Keep kids close in queues and use ear protection if sound-sensitive.

How do I verify timings?

Check the temple’s official website or notice board, and watch last-minute updates on official social pages.

Conclusion

The Top 10 Hindu Temples Celebrating Dussehra in UAE 2025: Complete Worship Guide brings your festival plan into focus—what to expect at each mandir, how to time aarti, where temple-led programs happen, and how to move respectfully and safely through the busiest week of the year. With clear muhurats, simple rituals, and smart travel tips, you can honor every moment of Dussehra with devotion and ease.

Ready to finalize your plan? Bookmark this guide, share it with your family, and set reminders for Day 1, Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami. Want a custom itinerary by emirate or a family-first schedule? Comment with your city and preferred dates—we’ll help you build the perfect Dussehra plan.