At St. Mary's Catholic Church Dubai. ARCHIVE

St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai has announced the resumption of all masses, church events and Simbang Gabi starting Friday (December 19), following an improvement in weather conditions across the emirate. In a statement released on Friday morning, church officials said all in-person activities would continue from the 12pm Mass onwards, provided that safety and regulatory guidelines are strictly followed. “We would like to inform you that, following the improvement in weather conditions, all activities, events, masses and prayers will continue, provided that all applicable safety and regulatory procedures are strictly observed. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding,” St. Mary’s Catholic Church Dubai said. “Accordingly, all in-person church activities will resume from the 12:00 noon Mass today onwards.” The announcement comes a day after the church cancelled Simbang Gabi on Thursday evening due to adverse weather conditions, following heavy rain that affected parts of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. Flooding was reported in some areas on Thursday and overnight into Friday, although Dubai roads were reported clear by Friday afternoon. Thursday’s cancelled Mass would have been the fourth night of the nine-day Simbang Gabi series held annually ahead of Christmas. At the time, the church said the suspension was in compliance with official directives and prioritised public safety. The decision followed a citywide alert from Dubai Police urging residents to avoid beaches, refrain from sailing, stay away from flood-prone areas and strictly follow safety instructions during the stormy weather. Simbang Gabi at St. Mary’s Catholic Church is traditionally held outdoors, with a specially built altar to accommodate large crowds. Organisers expect nightly attendance to exceed 20,000 worshippers, who typically fill the football field, basketball court, girls’ compound and 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 highlights renewal, gratitude and hope. The first Simbang Gabi Mass on Monday was presided over by Fr. Leny Escalada and drew an estimated 20,000 attendees. Attendance surged on Tuesday, with more than 30,000 worshippers gathering for a Mass led by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Vatican. Meanwhile, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jebel Ali also announced that Simbang Gabi will resume at 8pm on Friday. The church also cancelled masses on Thursday evening. Simbang Gabi is a deeply cherished Filipino Christmas tradition. While celebrated at dawn in the Philippines, churches in the UAE hold the Masses in the evening to accommodate work schedules, allowing thousands of overseas Filipinos to take part. ICA/Expat Media
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