Latter-day Saints and Sikh Community Unite in UAE to Serve Those Who Serve Others

On a hot and steamy August weekend in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined devotees from the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, a Sikh temple in Dubai, to assemble 11,000 food kits. The effort marked the 11th consecutive year of collaboration between the Church and the Sikh community, reflecting a long-standing relationship built on faith, friendship and a shared desire to bless others.

Working together at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara on August 21–22, 2026, volunteers assembled 5,500 kits each day. The durable, insulated lunch bags contained nonperishable food items, including nuts, dates, noodle cups and cookies.

The first 5,000 kits were distributed on August 30 at the Gurudwara, and the remaining kits were delivered to workers residing nearby. Many of the expatriate men and women laborers who received kits left their homes and families behind. They work in the UAE and regularly send financial support to loved ones in their home countries.

The food kits are part of the Guru Nanak Darbar’s ongoing outreach efforts. This Dubai place of worship provides approximately 1,200 free meals each weekday and more than 11,000 meals during weekends. These efforts reflect central Sikh beliefs: Work diligently, pray to God and share with those in need. These beliefs are rooted in the conviction that no one should go to bed hungry.

Their mutual commitment to service became the foundation of the Sikh community’s collaboration with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The relationship began in 2014 when Dr. Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai, met Robert Bateman, then president of the Abu Dhabi Stake, at an interfaith conference. As they visited together, both felt inspired to move beyond discussion and find ways to serve.

Dr. Kandhari explained that President Bateman passed away before the inaugural service project could take place in 2015. Wanting to honor the friendship they had formed and the vision they shared for serving others, Dr. Kandhari proposed to name the first humanitarian project in President Bateman’s honor. The annual effort has continued ever since.

Reflecting on what motivates his lifelong service, Dr. Kandhari said that serving others is not simply an activity but is part of his DNA. “If I can make one person smile each day, I have done my job,” he said.

The project also brought together religious, civic and diplomatic leaders, including Elder Roland J. Bäck, Area Seventy; Dr. Surender Singh Kandhari; Dr. Bubbles Kandhari, Vice Chairperson of the Guru Nanak Darbar; U.S. Consul General Robert Raines; and India Consul General Dr. E. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy.

Elder Bäck expressed gratitude to the Sikh community for the opportunity to join together to bless others. Reflecting on the past 11 years of service, he said, “We share love and friendship as we continue to grow together.”

For Mark and Lori Wallentine, who are serving as senior service volunteers of the Church and helped to coordinate this joint effort, the project provided an opportunity to live their faith through service to others.

“Living in the UAE, we see people from many different backgrounds and circumstances,” said Lori. “Working on this project gave us an opportunity to learn more about those people and serve together to show our love for our neighbors in a practical way.”

“It is a blessing to work alongside others who share a desire to help people in need and strengthen the community around us,” said Mark.

Lucia Ratliff of the Abu Dhabi First Ward said she has enjoyed watching the relationship between members of the Church and the Gurudwara grow over the years. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide food for laborers who work hard while striving to support families in their home countries.

Looking across the completed 11,000 kits, Glydel Daculug from the Dubai First Ward felt overwhelming joy. Her message to those who would receive them was simple: “You are not alone. God knows what we are going through, and He will send people to help.” Daculug said the project reflected her belief that every person deserves dignity, compassion and hope.

Arnell Ambayon, from the Dubai First Ward, echoed that sentiment, saying he hoped the recipients would know they are remembered and feel joy. “We pray for their health and well-being and hope they feel our love.”