Your guide to the Gurudwaras in Dubai
Dubai is a city that welcomes people of all faiths and religions. For the Sikh community, there are specific places of worship called gurudwaras. These spaces serve as gathering points where people who follow Sikhism can come together to worship, pray and attend sermons. The presence of Gurudwaras in Dubai has made it easier for expats who follow the Sikh faith to stay connected to their beliefs and find solace in their religious practices.
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, and followers revere the holy text called the Guru Granth Sahib. This text outlines the spiritual guidelines Sikhs must follow and is placed on an elevated platform called Takht in Gurudwaras. There are three Gurudwaras in Dubai; each offers those who follow the Sikh religion the opportunity to connect with their spiritual side.
If you’re someone exploring the Sikh religion, you too can visit one of these Gurudwaras.
Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara
The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara is the most popular Gurudwara in Dubai. Located in Jebel Ali Village, this Sikh temple has three floors and spans 125,000 sq. ft. Its architectural design is inspired by the famous Golden Temple in Amritsar, blending modern and traditional elements. Furthermore, there is a large pond for ritual cleansing and a walking area for devotees.
The Guru Granth Sahib has been placed on a beautiful golden Takht at this Gurudwara. Devotees can offer prayer, congregate to hear/sing kirtans, religious sermons and the philosophy of the “Khalsa” (Sikh community). They also organise ‘langar’, a free (vegetarian) meal offered to one and all.
- Location: Jebel Ali Village, 3806 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
- Timings: 04:30 pm to 08:30 am
- Contact: +971-4-882-7550
Gurudwara Al Aweer
Gurudwara Al Aweer is a much smaller Gurudwara in Dubai. It is located in Ras Al Khor. While in Ras Al Khor, look out for Building 15, behind which this Gurudwara is located.
Bur Dubai and International City residents can find the Gurudwara Al Aweer an easier location to access. The Guru Granth Sahib has been placed beautifully in the centre of the Gurudwara, and devotees can be part of sermons and discussions of the Khalsa here.
- Location: 15 30b St, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area 2, Dubai
- Timings: 04:00 am to 08:00 am; 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm Monday to Saturday | 04:00 am to 09:00 pm on Sundays
- Contact: +971-55-433-0633
Other Gurudwaras in Dubai
Here’s an interesting addition to this list: you can also find the Guru Granth Sahib at the Guru Darbar inside the Hindu Temple Dubai. It was placed as a mark of religious inclusivity, making it a unique element of this temple.
This Guru Darbar creates a space where people who follow Hindu and Sikh faiths can come together to learn about each other’s faiths.
The Guru Darbar has a separate door from the temple’s Hindu prayer area. You can see the magnificent door of the Guru Darbar toward the right side of this prayer area. At the door, the volunteers will assist you in collecting the scarf needed to cover your head to enter this Guru Darbar (a Sikh practice that is mandatory).
After covering your head, you can enter the Guru Darbar and pay respects to the stunning elevated Guru Granth Sahib.
The Hindu Temple Dubai hosts special events for Sikh festivals, such as Guru Gobind Singh Ji Prakash Gurpurab at the Guru Darbar. Additionally, they host kirtans, or devotional singing, in this Guru Darbar every day. You can check their Instagram page for schedules.
Although it may not count as a Gurudwara in Dubai, it is a unique space to connect with the faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code to enter Gurudwaras in Dubai?
Men and women must wear modest clothing when visiting Gurudwaras and cover their heads with a scarf, handkerchief or any cloth. Typically, this head covering is provided at the entrance of Gurudwaras.
You can borrow a sarong to wrap around your waist if you’re wearing shorts or skirts. However, you’re not allowed to wear shoes inside Gurudwaras, so make sure you take yours off before stepping inside.
Can I visit the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara as a large group?
Ideally, call the administration in advance before heading to Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara so that they can arrange the space accordingly.
Can non-Sikhs visit Gurudwaras?
Gurudwaras in Dubai are open to people of all ages and faiths — including those who do not practice the Sikh religion. They can participate in the langar (free meals at Gurudwaras) and eat with the Sikh community.
That concludes our list of Gurudwaras in Dubai. If you’re interested in learning about other faiths and philosophies, Dubai has a few places for you. Notable mentions are the four Buddhist temples, the Grand Hindu temple and various churches in Dubai.
