Call it the realization of the aspirations of the 50,000 Sikhs residing in Dubai, Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara is an amalgamation of all that Sikhism stands for – Righteousness, determination and spirituality. But it is equally true that the grandeur of this magnificent creation of man is sure to take your breath away.

The NRI businessman Surender Singh Kandhari, who is the man behind this opulent construction wanted to build the most contemporary Gurudwara till date. Kandhari is the chairman of the Al Dobowi Group that manufactures and distributes automotive batteries and tires.

The need for a Gurudwara was felt by the Sikh community residing in the UAE since all they had in the name of a place of worship was a cramped space in the temple premises in Bur Dubai district. The permission to build the Gurudwara came along almost 6 years ago with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai gifting 25,400 sq ft of land to build the gurdwara.

We didn't want to compromise on anything. It has the latest Italian marble and best lights. I told the contractor I want a 100-year guarantee for the building so that our future generations are able to utilize it," Kandhari said while talking about his brainchild.

"I told the ruler, 'Well, one can't surpass the Golden Temple.' But what we have is the most modern gurdwara in the world," added Kandhari. And that is exactly what the Guru Nanak Darbar Gudwara is. It has a state-of-the-art Kitchen which is capable of offering food to the visiting devotees throughout the day. One peek at the kitchen and we see the modern amenities that it is fitted with. The kitchen boasts of a dough-kneader, a chappati-maker and large dishwashers. And along with the rest of the building, the kitchen, too, is spotless.

Apart from a large carpeted prayer hall, there are three smaller rooms for private functions, a meditation room, a library and the spacious 'langar' or common kitchen hall. But, the one feature that promises to take your breath away are the 24 carat gold canopies for the Gurugranth Sahib (Holy Book of the Sikhs).

The total cost of constructing this fabulous architectural wonder is around Rs 100 crore. Although the NRI businessman had to borrow from friends to complete the gurdwara, he calls the income generated by it "unbelievable".

And Kandhari doesn't stop there either. He has already made plans to channelize the money in the right direction. Health care being expensive in Dubai, he wishes to build a hospital for the poor next.

Having such a magnificent Gurdwara built in an otherwise conservative muslim country, it is very beautiful to see how progressive the UAE is.