Some churches in Dubai have announced that it will be closed to the public until further notice, with all masses cancelled and only limited services available to watch online over the Good Friday and Easter weekend.
The measures, issued under directives from UAE government regulatory authorities, take effect from Friday, April 3, with parishioners across multiple parishes advised not to visit church premises in the interest of safety and community well-being.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church suspend services in Dubai, Good Friday mass to be live-streamed
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai has announced that its premises will be “closed to all visitors until further notice,” according to a notice dated April 3, 2026.
The church confirmed that the 6:00 PM Good Friday service will be live-streamed via its YouTube channel, with the link available on the church website homepage.
Masses cancelled at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali has also announced the cancelling of all masses with immediate effect from April 3 until further notice.
The church cited “directives of the Government Regulatory Authorities” as the reason for the cancellation. Parishioners have been “requested to refrain from visiting the Church premises, in the interest of safety and community well-being.”
St. Francis of Assisi further confirmed there will be no online stream of any services. The church stated that it “remains closed” and expressed appreciation for the “understanding and cooperation” of its congregation.
Dubai Mar Thoma Parish moves Good Friday, Easter services online
Dubai Mar Thoma Parish has also temporarily suspended all in-person services, with the church confirming that “all services over this weekend will be held online.”
The parish also called on the congregation to “keep the whole country and our surroundings in prayer” and to “pray for safety and for peace and calm in the region.”
St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral in Dubai moves all services online
Fr. Aju Abraham, Vicar of St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral in Dubai, confirmed that “all worship and services in our parish will be conducted online only until further notice,” in accordance with instructions from the UAE Government.
He called on all members to attend services, including Good Friday, online.
