- The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi wins the MONDO-DR 2025 Award.
- The Mandir is now a technological benchmark for immersive AV design in sacred spaces.
- The award-winning show, The Fairy Tale, features 20 video projectors and surround sound.
- The project is celebrated for its powerful message of unity and spiritual growth.
It’s an architectural marvel, a spiritual landmark, and now, it’s an award-winning technological benchmark. The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has been recognized with the coveted MONDO-DR Award in the House of Worship category, an accolade often called the “Oscars of the AV world.” This win not only celebrates the stunning beauty of the Mandir but also validates the UAE’s commitment to cultural inclusion and global excellence in cutting-edge design.
The Mandir’s victory in a fiercely contested category, featuring a record number of submissions from major global houses of worship, speaks volumes about its technical and artistic merit. The core of the recognition is the spectacular immersive show, The Fairy Tale. This production, brought to life using 20 video projectors and cutting-edge surround sound, integrates seamlessly into the aesthetic, acoustic, and ceremonial fabric of the stone temple.
Adrian Goulder, Technical Director of VueAV, noted that the project stood apart because its sole message is on unity and spiritual growth, unlike many AV installations focused on return on investment. The technical precision and cultural sensitivity involved in developing this audiovisual system, despite architectural and environmental constraints, establishes a new benchmark for how technology can respectfully enhance sacred spaces. The Mandir successfully bridges its rich heritage with the future of digital innovation.
The core of the Mandir’s mission is to foster harmony and tolerance, values strongly championed by UAE leadership. The award-winning immersive show transports the audience through pivotal historical moments, including the Mandir’s first prayer in the Sharjah desert in 1997 and the spiritually charged inauguration in 2024.
Swami Brahmaviharidas, Head of BAPS Hindu Mandir, emphasized that the project was never about simply installing sound systems; it was about designing an environment where “every heart, regardless of background, can feel a deeper connection to universal spirituality.” In a world often grappling with division, the Mandir stands as an “Epicenter of Harmony,” committed to bridging and bringing together cultures and communities. This powerful message resonated deeply with the international judging panel.
The award is a dual triumph, recognizing the BAPS organization’s vision and simultaneously highlighting Abu Dhabi’s pioneering role in supporting religious tolerance and housing world-class architectural and technological landmarks.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir now stands as a world-class reference point for immersive design that prioritizes profound spiritual experience over spectacle. Visit the Mandir’s website to learn more about its message of global harmony and plan your visit to this award-winning technological landmark!
