Is there any Hindu temple/mandir in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country, but there are thousands of Hindus living here. People often wonder if there is a Hindu temple in Saudi Arabia or if they plan to build a Mandir. We have answered it below.

Any Hindu temple in Saudi Arabia?

Indeed, there is no Hindu temple in Saudi Arabia, whether it is a Ram, ISKCON, or Shiv mandir. However, Hindu temples have been built in other Gulf countries like UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, but not in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country, and Non-Muslims, be it Hindus or Christians, are not allowed to practice their religions publicly. They can only worship their idols discreetly inside their apartments/homes.

• Are there any Christian churches in Saudi Arabia?

Hindus cannot bring idols.

Despite the request of the Hindu community, the Saudi Government has not allowed them to build any temple in the country. They are not even allowed to bring idols of their gods in their luggage as it is on the list of prohibited items to bring at Saudi Airports.

Hindus celebrate religious festivals.

People in Saudi Arabia are not allowed to build any worshiping place other than Masjid. Building a Hindu mandir is strictly forbidden in Saudi Arabia. However, people have private compounds where the Hindu community freely celebrates their religious festivals like Diwali or Holi.

Hindus are not allowed to worship publicly, but they are completely free to practice their religion discreetly inside their apartments. 

Hindu temples in GCC countries

There are Hindu temples and mandirs in all the Gulf countries.

• Bahrain has a 200-year-old Hindu temple in Manama.
• UAE has famous Shiva and Krishna temples in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi.
• Qatar has one Hindu temple in Doha Maa Durga Devi Mandir.
• Oman also has 2 Mandirs in Muscat.

Are there any plans for Mandir?

Some people believe that in the next 10 to 15 years, temples might be built in Saudi Arabia, but in my opinion, the Saudi government will not allow such a move.