Parish priest Fr. Leny Supe Escalada celebrates mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai. ARCHIVE

St Mary’s Catholic Church reopened on Saturday (April 11) for limited liturgical services, allowing parishioners to attend Mass again under strict safety measures. Church authorities said services will be conducted only inside designated facilities, including the Main Church, Bishop Gremoli Hall, Bishop Paul Hall, and rooms above Bishop Paul Hall. Outdoor gatherings and activities remain suspended. To manage crowd levels, only adults aged 18 and above are allowed to attend obligatory Masses on Saturdays and Sundays. Attendance is strictly controlled through a mandatory online registration system via the church’s official website. Mass schedules include multiple time slots starting from 6:30am up to 7:30pm. Parishioners must secure a confirmed booking before arriving, as walk-ins and unregistered attendees will not be permitted. Church officials urged worshippers to check schedules in advance and book early due to limited capacity. Those unable to secure a slot are encouraged to join online streamed services. A contingency plan has also been put in place, with parishioners advised to follow instructions from ushers in case of emergencies. The reopening reflects a broader effort across Dubai to gradually restore access to places of worship while maintaining public safety and compliance with regulations.

Other church reopening in Dubai

Meanwhile, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali has announced the resumption of in-person services starting Sunday (April 12), but with a different approach. Church authorities said entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to indoor seating capacity. Parishioners have been advised to leave immediately after services, while outdoor gatherings remain prohibited. The grotto and adoration chapel are still closed to the public. Masses at St. Francis follow the regular schedule, marking a return to routine after services were suspended earlier this month. ICA/Expat Media
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