Multi-faith funeral center for Indians in UAE

November 20, 2012: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) would soon open a multi-faith funeral center for Indians. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi recently announced that the funeral centre, built at a cost of USD 1.65 million, will open in January 2013. The Minister had on Nov. 11 handed over a cheque for USD 136,000 as India’s contribution to the project.

"There is going to be a funeral place in Sharjah for which I also paid money. It is a funeral ground for Indians from all religions. It is an Indian community project there. It is a good thing," Ravi said. "They asked me for some financial help and I paid 50 per cent. They have started work and we have already paid the money," he said.

The Indian Association Sharjah (IAS), which is spearheading the project, said the facility is designed to have four gas cremators for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists as well as burial grounds for Muslims and Christians. Statistics by the Indian Consulate in Dubai show that about 1,300 Indians die in the country annually.

However, due to legal issues and high cost involved, families often find it difficult to make funeral arrangements in keeping with the last wishes. The new facility aims to cater Indians living in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.

India had in April requested the UAE to provide land for a funeral home for Indians residing in that country when their external affairs ministers met in New Delhi for bilateral talks.