Zaki Nusseibeh says BAPS Hindu Mandir reflects Sheikh Zayed’s enduring vision of harmony

Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), has said he saw the enduring spirit of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reflected in the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.

Following a guided tour led by the temple’s head, Swami Brahmaviharidas, Nusseibeh described the landmark as a powerful symbol of harmony, coexistence, and cultural dialogue. He said the values embodied in the Mandir echo Sheikh Zayed’s vision and the UAE’s long-standing commitment to building bridges between faiths and civilizations.

“It is so much the spirit of Sheikh Zayed that I see here, of the leadership, of the Emirates that has always stood for harmony,” Nusseibeh said during his visit.

Walking through the Mandir, he described the experience as discovering an “enormous treasure,” one he believes will be recognized for centuries for its universal message of peace and tranquillity. He praised The Fairy Tale, the Mandir’s immersive narrative experience, noting that its storytelling offers deeper insight into the philosophy and intent behind the temple’s creation.

“The message itself was beautifully written, and it gave us a deeper understanding of the insights that went into creating this temple,” he said.

At the heart of the Mandir, Nusseibeh explained, is a message that transcends religion.
“It conveys the need to work for peace and harmony, that mankind shares the same civilization, the same need for the same deep faith that brings us all together.”

He also highlighted the artistic and historical significance of the Mandir’s intricate carvings, calling them “a renaissance of Hindu art.” According to Nusseibeh, the detailed stonework and ceiling paintings provide an archival depth that allows scholars and visitors to engage with stories from the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita while also recognizing references to multiple world civilizations.

“The choice to include different civilizations reinforces this message that, in the end, we all seek the same harmony and peace, within ourselves and around us,” he said.

Beyond its cultural and spiritual dimensions, Nusseibeh expressed admiration for the Mandir’s engineering and environmental design, describing it as unlike anything he had seen elsewhere. He noted that its sustainability features align closely with its philosophical message of living in harmony with nature.

Reflecting on decades spent working alongside Sheikh Zayed, Nusseibeh recalled the Founding Father’s belief that religious diversity is part of divine design.
“The number of times he always said that if God had wanted us all to follow one religion, it would have been in His power to do so. The fact that we are not in one religion is His design. Who are we to judge God’s design?” he said.

Nusseibeh underlined that this spirit remains central to the UAE’s leadership today, building bridges of understanding between civilizations, cultures, and faiths, while preserving national identity and heritage. He added that he looks forward to returning to the Mandir with future generations to experience its art, history, and enduring message.