Dubai Churches Announce Temporary Closures During the Easter Weekend

  • Publish date: Friday، 03 April 2026 Reading time: two min read

Security Measures Implemented Amidst Regional Tensions as Major Religious Sites Shift to Online Services

Churches across Dubai have announced temporary closures to the public starting Friday, April 3, as authorities implement safety measures amid ongoing regional security threats. The decision affects major religious sites during the critical Easter weekend, a period that typically draws thousands of worshippers to the emirate.

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The closures come in response to sustained attacks involving Iranian missiles and drones targeting the UAE since late February. According to reports, UAE air defenses have engaged hundreds of projectiles since the onset of the conflict, including 457 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles, and over 2,000 drones.

Parishioners have been advised via social media and official websites to refrain from visiting church premises in the interest of community well-being. St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai confirmed that while physical access is restricted, select services for Good Friday will be streamed online via their YouTube channel. Conversely, St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church announced that all masses are cancelled until further notice with no online streaming available, citing directives from government regulatory authorities.

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Similar measures were adopted by other denominations. St Thomas Orthodox Cathedral in Oud Metha stated that all worship and services would be conducted online only until further notice, maintaining regular service timings virtually. St Mina Coptic Orthodox Church in Jebel Ali and the Mar Thoma Parish also confirmed the cancellation of physical services, directing congregants to online alternatives or local representatives for updates.

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While Dubai churches have largely moved to closures or digital-only formats, the approach in neighboring Abu Dhabi differs slightly. St Joseph Cathedral in Abu Dhabi planned to hold celebrations indoors with entry on a first-come, first-served basis. Fr Chito Bartolo, parish priest at St Joseph's, emphasized the importance of the Easter message during this turbulent period. He noted that while fear and anxiety envelop the region, the season remains one of hope and peace.