Ganesh Chaturthi in Dubai’s Sonapur illustrates UAE’s culture of tolerance

The Ganesh idol immersion at Dubai’s Sonapur camp underscored the UAE’s ethos of tolerance and inclusivity. For over a decade, Telugu NRI workers have hosted the festival with support from Arab colleagues, drawing thousands across faiths in symbolic celebration.

Dubai: In the UAE, tolerance is not just a value but a pillar of government policy, protecting religious freedoms, promoting interfaith dialogue and nurturing an inclusive culture. With over 200 nationalities coexisting, the country stands as one of the most diverse in the world, where practitioners of multiple faiths worship side by side.

The immersion marking the culmination of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Dubai’s Sonapur once again highlighted this spirit of tolerance, reflecting the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam cherished by Indian expatriates.

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Telugu NRI workers of a leading construction and heavy equipment company in Dubai have been setting an example of communal harmony for over a decade. Their workers’ accommodation, housing more than 10,000 people of various faiths, has become a centre for symbolic celebration.

A decade ago, Hyderabadi NRI Abdul Naser, then a camp boss, and Subba Raju Patnam of West Godavari district came together to install a Ganesh idol at their Sonapur camp, popularly known as Mini India for its large subcontinental workforce. Since then, the idol has drawn more than 5,000 devotees daily, according to Subba Raju, the principal organiser.

“When we first approached Abdul Naser, he was positive and obtained approval from the management. He has since returned to Hyderabad for good, but we still remember him,” said Subba Raju.

He added that the festival has continued for over a decade only because of the support from the company’s management, including generous UAE nationals and Arab employees.

“Unlike other places, we celebrated the festival for nine days. On the final day, after the pooja, we hosted dinner for 10,000 workers, including those from other countries,” he noted.

Expressing gratitude to the UAE for its spirit of tolerance, Subba Raju said the celebrations have always received full cooperation from colleagues of all faiths in their accommodation.