While there are no modern, active non-Muslim temples or churches in Saudi Arabia due to strict laws prohibiting public non-Islamic worship, the country is rich in ancient archaeological sites featuring pre-Islamic temples, such as those in AlUla (Hegra) and the Al-Fao region, revealing a history of diverse ancient faiths.
Krishan Mandir is still housed in the original complex in Bur Dubai. Majority of Hindus living in UAE practice their religion within their homes. The new temple, BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi, had its foundation stone laying ceremony in April, 2019. The inauguration ceremony of the temple took place on 14 February 2024.
Hinduism is the 3rd largest religion in Saudi Arabia, followed by nearly 1.3% of total population residing in the nation. As of 2020, there were nearly 708,000 Hindus residing in Saudi Arabia, among whom most of them were Indians and Nepalis.
Freedom of religion
Conversion from Islam to another religion is punishable by death as apostasy. Proselytizing by non-Muslims, including the distribution of non-Muslim religious materials such as Bibles, Bhagavad Gita, Torot and Ahmedi books is illegal.
The public practice of any religion other than Islam is prohibited, and there is no separation between state and religion. The government did not respect religious freedom in law, but generally permitted Shia religious gatherings and non-Muslim private religious practices.
In Saudi Arabia, it's fine to bring in a Bible if you're a foreigner—but if you do something like read it in public, or it's suspected you have any intention with speaking publicly about your faith, that could mean prison.
Saudi Arabia is an Islamic theocracy and the government has declared the Qur'an and the Sunnah (tradition) of Muhammad to be the country's Constitution. Proselytizing for religions other than Islam is illegal. Islam is the official religion.
The public expression of other religions is forbidden by law including the wearing of religious jewellery, including the crucifix. We would request that you observe and respect local traditions, customs, laws at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend.
The 8,000 year old temple found in Saudi Arabia in 2022 is associated with the local belief system of Al-Faw's inhabitants.
Unmarried Couples and Saudi Arabia Laws
To boost Tourism, the country now allows unmarried foreign couples to share a room in a hotel. Previously, the couples had to prove that they were married in order to stay together in the hotel. However, the laws regarding the local unmarried couple haven't changed.
Most Saudis are ethnically Arab. Some are of mixed ethnic origin and are descended from Turks, Iranians, Indonesians, Indians, Africans, and others, most of whom immigrated as pilgrims and reside in the Hijaz region along the Red Sea coast. Many Arabs from nearby countries are employed in the kingdom.
A Forgotten Civilizational Link Unearthed In a stunning revelation, an idol resembling Hindu goddess Saraswati has reportedly been discovered in Al Faw, an ancient city in Saudi Arabia. The figure, holding a veena-like instrument and marked with inscriptions akin to Sanskrit or Brahmi, has left researchers intrigued.
The Shiva temple in Muscat (Motishwar Mandir) in Oman is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Middle East region.
The Hindu Temple of Isfahan and the Hindu Temple of Tehran are two of the most well-known temples, where religious practices and festivals, such as Diwali, are celebrated by the community.
The temple was opened on October 5, 2022. In August 2015, the UAE government allocated land for the construction of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. The construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi commenced in December 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the temple on 14 February 2024.
While there is no defined path for foreigners to obtain citizenship, it often involves a combination of factors. These may include strong family ties through Saudi Arabian citizenship by marriage or birth, significant contributions to the country, and a demonstrated commitment to Saudi Arabian values.
(B) Non-Muslims cannot build temples, churches, or other non-Muslim places of worship in Saudi Arabia. Only mosques are permitted.
Consumption of Pork
All Muslims, under Islamic law, are not allowed to eat pork. Saudis expect non-Muslim foreign visitors and expats to abide by this law while living in Saudi Arabia, too, regardless of their own religious beliefs.
Muslims view Christians to be People of the Book, but may also regard them as committing shirk (idolatry) because of the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation. Christians are traditionally classified as dhimmis (non-muslims) paying jizya (tax on non-muslims) under Sharia law.
While it's not mandatory to cover your head, it's advisable to do so in conservative regions like Al-Qassim or when visiting religious sites. In big cities like Riyadh or Jeddah, local attitudes are generally more relaxed.
Can non-Muslims marry in Saudi Arabia? Non-Muslims face restrictions under Islamic Sharia law. Muslim men may marry women from the People of the Book (Christians or Jews), but Muslim women cannot marry non-Muslim men unless the man converts.
Einstein, in a one-and-a-half-page hand-written German-language letter to philosopher Eric Gutkind, dated Princeton, New Jersey, 3 January 1954, a year and three and a half months before his death, wrote: "The word God is for me nothing but the expression and product of human weaknesses, the Bible a collection of ...
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