In the Jebel Ali area stands the first official Sikh temple in the Persian Gulf - Gurunanak Darbar. It was built quite recently – from 2010 to 2012. The beautiful building with high arched windows looks especially magical in the dark, when the light of thousands of lamps seems to make it glow from within.
Considering the size of the Sikh community in the UAE – more than 50000 people – this temple also organizes visiting services in other cities. It is important to note that Sikh temples are called Gurdwaras – the Gate of the Guru, and serve not only as a place of worship, but also as the center of the local community's social and religious life.
All the most important rituals in the life of every Sikh, public events, education, and the offering of prayers take place in gurdwaras. In addition, every temple обязательно has a langar – a free kitchen. Since the 16th century, there has been a tradition according to which anyone can receive food at the temple. Sikhs who found themselves in difficult circumstances could also always find overnight lodging or temporary housing at the temple.
