Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Hindu Mandir Receives MONDO-DR 2025 Award, the ‘Oscars of AV’

Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Hindu Mandir Wins MONDO-DR 2025 Award for ‘The Fairy Tale’ Immersive Experience.

The Fairy Tale, the immersive audio-visual experience at Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Hindu Mandir, has won the 2025 MONDO-DR Award in the ‘House of Worship’ category. Dubbed the “Oscars of the AV world,” the MONDO-DR Awards recognise excellence in audio-visual integration across entertainment, cultural, and architectural spaces globally.

The recognition cements the Mandir not only as a spiritual and architectural marvel but also as a global benchmark for innovative AV design in sacred spaces. According to the temple, winning a MONDO-DR Award is akin to receiving an Academy Award—a mark of international acclaim and peer-recognised mastery.

“This honour reflects the technical precision, creativity, and cultural sensitivity demonstrated throughout the BAPS Hindu Mandir project,” the Mandir stated.

A Global First in the Middle East

As the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East, the BAPS Mandir symbolizes peace, harmony, and now innovation. The immersive show integrates seamlessly with the temple’s architecture, acoustics, and ceremonial space, offering a spiritual, technology-enriched experience.

Developed by a global team of AV consultants, lighting designers, acoustic engineers, and integrators, the system had to navigate strict cultural, architectural, and environmental constraints.

The Fairy Tale Experience

The show takes audiences on a journey across decades: from Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s first prayer in Sharjah (1997), to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s support in 2018, culminating in the Mandir’s inauguration led by Mahant Swami Maharaj and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2024).

Adrian Goulder, Technical Director of VueAV, said: “Unlike most AV experiences focused on ROI, The Fairy Tale emphasizes unity and spiritual growth. Every word and whisper, narrated by Swami Brahmaviharidas, resonates with harmony. It’s more than immersive—it’s transformative.”

Swami Brahmaviharidas added, “This award recognises our vision to create a space where every heart, regardless of background, can experience universal spirituality.”

A Legacy of Recognition

• Since its inauguration in February 2024, the Mandir has earned multiple prestigious awards, including:
• MEED Project Awards 2024 – Best Cultural Project, UAE & MENA
• MEP Award 2019 – Excellence in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering
• Recognition from the World Architecture Festival and other international forums

With this accolade, the BAPS Hindu Mandir continues to shine as a symbol of devotion, architectural excellence, and cutting-edge AV innovation.