During the Simbang Gabi at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai on December 16, 2025. ARCHIVE

The traditional Filipino Simbang Gabi Mass scheduled for Thursday (December 18) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, church officials announced. The cancelled Mass would have been the fourth night of the nine-day Simbang Gabi series, which began on Monday and is held annually in the lead-up to Christmas. St. Mary’s Catholic Church said the decision was made in line with official directives and out of concern for public safety as heavy rain continues to affect the emirate. “In line with the directives from the Community Development Authority, and due to the current weather conditions and heavy rainfall, all parish events and activities are cancelled until further notice,” the church said in a statement.“For everyone’s safety, parishioners are kindly advised to remain at home and avoid any gatherings during this period. We will strictly comply with all official instructions and will share updates as soon as further guidance is issued. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please stay safe and keep each other in prayer.” The announcement came after Dubai Police issued a fresh citywide text alert on Thursday morning, warning residents to avoid beaches, refrain from sailing, stay away from valleys and areas prone to flash floods, and follow safety instructions from authorities. Dubai Police also urged motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads as water is expected to collect in several areas, making driving conditions more difficult. Drivers were advised to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, particularly tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers and lighting systems, and to remain especially careful on external roads, bends and low-lying areas where water tends to accumulate. Simbang Gabi at St. Mary’s Catholic Church is traditionally held outdoors, with a special altar built each year to accommodate the large crowds it attracts. The evening Masses usually run until December 23, with organisers expecting nightly attendance to exceed 20,000 worshippers. Devotees typically fill the football field, basketball court, girls’ compound and the church portico. This year’s Simbang Gabi carries the theme “Pasko sa Jubileo 2025,” in line with the Catholic Church’s upcoming Jubilee Year, which focuses on renewal, gratitude and hope. The first Mass on Monday was presided over by Fr. Leny Escalada and drew an estimated 20,000 attendees. Attendance grew even larger on the second night on Tuesday, with more than 30,000 worshippers gathering for the Mass presided over by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Vatican. Cardinal Tagle, who arrived in Dubai earlier that day, was warmly welcomed by the Filipino community and is widely admired for his pastoral style and emphasis on compassion and evangelization. Simbang Gabi is a deeply rooted Filipino Christmas tradition, consisting of a devotional series of Masses celebrated before December 25. While the Masses are traditionally held at dawn in the Philippines, churches in the UAE usually celebrate them in the evening to accommodate work schedules and local conditions, allowing thousands of overseas Filipinos to continue the cherished custom. Church officials said further updates on the remaining Simbang Gabi schedule will be announced once authorities issue additional guidance. ICA/Expat Media
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