Updated October 2026. Temple status checked against Gulf News and Khaleej Times reporting from 2024 to 2026.
For decades, the temples in Bur Dubai were a landmark of the old town, tucked into a lane beside the textile souk. A lot has changed since 2023. The main Shiva temple has closed and moved to Jebel Ali, while the Shri Krishna temple is still open in Bur Dubai. This guide explains what you can visit in 2026 and how to plan your trip.
Which temples are still open in Bur Dubai?
Shri Krishna Haveli (Krishna Mandir)
The Shri Krishna temple, also known as the Shrinathji Haveli, remains open in the Al Fahidi area of Bur Dubai, in the lanes behind the souk. It follows the haveli tradition, with fixed darshan times through the day rather than open access.
Reported darshan sessions in 2026 run early morning (from about 6:30am), mid-morning and late morning, then again in the evening from about 5pm to 7:30pm. The temple usually closes between late morning and 5pm. Times change on festival days, so check locally before you go.
What happened to the Shiva temple in Bur Dubai?
The Shiva Mandir in Bur Dubai, one of the oldest Hindu temples in the UAE, closed in January 2024. Its worship moved to the larger Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali, which opened in October 2022. The small Sikh shrine in the same Bur Dubai complex also moved to Jebel Ali, where the Guru Nanak Darbar gurudwara has operated since 2012.
If you see older guides listing several temples in “Temple Street” or Hindi Lane, they describe the area before 2024. Today, the Krishna temple is the main one still open there.
What is the Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali like?
The Hindu Temple Dubai sits in the Worship Village in Jebel Ali, next to the Guru Nanak Darbar gurudwara and several churches. It houses deities from several traditions under one roof, including Shiva, Krishna and Ganesh, and has space for weddings and community events.
When it reopened after a short closure in April 2026, the temple announced daily hours of 6am to 6pm, with set slots for darshan and pujas. Hours have changed several times since opening, so check the temple’s official channels before you visit.
Why were Dubai’s temples closed in April 2026?
On 3 April 2026, the Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali, the Shri Krishna temple in Bur Dubai and Guru Nanak Darbar closed temporarily on the advice of Dubai authorities, citing safety and security during regional tensions. Churches also paused in-person services. All three reopened within about a week, around 10 to 11 April 2026, and devotees were asked to follow Community Development Authority guidance.
What should I wear and how should I behave?
- Dress modestly. Cover shoulders and knees. Some areas may ask women to cover their heads.
- Remove your shoes before entering prayer halls. Racks are provided.
- No photography in the main prayer areas unless signs say otherwise.
- Keep quiet during rituals and follow volunteers’ directions on where to stand.
How do I get to the temples?
Bur Dubai
The Krishna temple is a short walk from the Bur Dubai abra station and the Al Fahidi area. Parking in the old town is limited, so the Metro or an abra from Deira is easier. Combine the visit with the Bur Dubai souk, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the creekside walk to Al Seef.
Jebel Ali
The Worship Village is in Jebel Ali Village, off Sheikh Zayed Road. Most visitors come by car or taxi. Parking is available, but it fills up fast on festival days such as Diwali, Navratri and Janmashtami, so arrive early.
Are there other temples in the UAE worth a visit?
The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, a large hand-carved stone temple near Abu Mureikha, opened in 2024 and is a popular day trip from Dubai. Check its website for visiting hours and any registration rules before you drive down.
If you are thinking of living close to these communities, you can browse homes for rent in Bur Dubai and beyond.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Shiva temple in Bur Dubai still open?
No. The Shiva temple in Bur Dubai closed in January 2024 and its worship moved to the Hindu Temple in Jebel Ali.
Is the Krishna temple in Bur Dubai open in 2026?
Yes. The Shri Krishna Haveli in Bur Dubai is open, with set darshan sessions in the morning and evening. It closed briefly in April 2026 and reopened within about a week.
Where is the new Hindu temple in Dubai?
It is in the Worship Village in Jebel Ali, next to the Guru Nanak Darbar gurudwara. It opened in October 2022.
What is the dress code for temples in Dubai?
Cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes before entering prayer halls, and avoid photography in the main prayer areas.
Do I need to book before visiting the Jebel Ali Hindu temple?
Booking rules have changed since the temple opened. Check the temple’s official website or social channels for the current rules before you visit, especially on festival days.
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