Dubai churches announce temporary closure until further notice

Several churches located in Dubai have announced their temporary closure and suspension of in-person services starting April 3 until further notice.

The announcement was made ahead of the Easter church services carried out in April, alongside the Orthodox Palm Sunday service on April 5. 

The St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral in Oud Al Metha shared on its website that its services will be conducted online following "strict instructions issued by UAE authorities".

Other churches have also offered online services, with St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oud Metha noting on its platform that while the church will be closed to all visitors, its Friday service will be streamed online on its official channel. The Mar Thoma Parish will also carry out all its upcoming services for "Passion Week" online.

Meanwhile, the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali stated on its website that all masses will be cancelled without any online streams, with parishioners advised to "refrain from visiting the Church premises in the interest of safety and community well-being".

The St. Mina Coptic Orthodox church, also in Jebel Ali, shared its temporary suspension of all church services and activities, including the cancellation of its liturgy on Friday, assuring that the decision was made as a precautionary measure.