Abu Dhabi: The first CSI Church (Church of South India) in Abu Dhabi will open to believers and the public today at 3:15 PM. The church will be dedicated to the community after various ceremonies led by Rt. Rev. Dr. Malayil Sabu Koshy Cherian, the 13th Bishop of the Central Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India.
Rev. Lalji M. Philip will assist as the co-minister. The church, which can accommodate up to 900 people, has seating for 750 across three sections inside and is circular in design. The official opening will take place once the parking facilities are completed, located near the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi’s Abumuraikha Cultural District.
The church has been built on a 4.37-acre plot granted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, costing 11 million dirhams and covering an area of 12,000 square feet. The foundation stone was laid on December 7, 2019.
Bishop Dr. Malayil emphasized that this move demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to treating all people equally and ensuring freedom of worship for everyone, regardless of their caste or creed. The formal inauguration will be conducted as soon as the parking facilities are finalized.
Believers may use the BAPS Hindu Mandir parking facilities, and temple authorities have assured that specific parking spaces will be allocated for church visitors on Sundays.
KNOWLEDGE | The first Hindu temple in the UAE, opened 1958 at Bur Dubai