Altered Photo Shared as Mohammed bin Zayed at the Hindu Temple Opening in Abu Dhabi
The Claim
A photo shows Mohammed bin Zayed inaugurating the world's second-largest Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
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A photo purporting to show Mohammed bin Zayed, the newly-elected president of the United Arab Emirates, inaugurating the world's second-largest Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi has recently circulated on social media in the MENA region.
Misbar’s Analysis
An investigation by Misbar revealed that the photo circulating has been altered. The original photo was published online in April 2019. It depicts the ceremony of laying the foundation stone for Abu Dhabi's first Hindu Temple.
The man in the image, however, is not the country's president Mohammed bin Zayed, but Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment at the time. He is currently the Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
Thani bin Ahmed's face was altered in the circulating photo to Mohammed bin Zayed's.
First Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi
In April 2019, the UAE hosted a foundation stone-laying ceremony for Abu Dhabi's first traditional Hindu temple, attended by thousands of Indians and officials.
The United Arab Emirates has constructed the largest Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, which is located in the Abu Mureikhah area on the highway connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The temple complex contains an art gallery, auditoriums, a library, a gymnasium, and other amenities.
Insults Against the Prophet Muhammad
The claim started circulating after two members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party made insulting remarks about the Prophet Muhammad. Many Arab and Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have condemned the offensive comments.
The BJP later responded by suspending the two members. The party also released a blanket statement, mentioning that the BJP “respects all religions” and “strongly denounces insults of any religious personalities of any religion.”
Translated by Khadija Boufous
