St Mary’s Church in Dubai to Reopen for Limited Services from April 11
St Mary’s Catholic Church will reopen on April 11 for limited services, following temporary closures of churches and other religious institutions due to recent regional unrest.
The reopening was confirmed by the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA), which oversees Catholic churches across the UAE, Oman, and Yemen. Authorities have granted permission for the resumption of liturgical services under specific safety guidelines.
According to the announcement, only indoor facilities within the church will be used for masses. These include the main church hall, Bishop Bernard Dremery Hall, Bishop Paul Hinder Hall, and designated rooms within the premises.
Registration and Entry Restrictions
Attendance will be limited, with mandatory online registration required for all weekend masses. Only individuals aged 18 and above will be permitted entry, while children will not be allowed as part of precautionary measures.
Father Leny Supe Escalada, parish priest of St Mary’s Church, urged parishioners to comply with all safety directives and cooperate with authorities to ensure a secure environment.
He also encouraged those unable to secure a spot to participate through online streaming services, ensuring continued access to worship while maintaining safety protocols.
Safety Measures in Place
Multilingual awareness posters have been installed across the church premises to guide visitors, particularly in case of emergencies. Parishioners have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or disruptive behaviour to authorities, including via Al-Amin Services.
The reopening comes after a temporary shutdown ordered last week as a precaution amid regional tensions. Church officials expressed appreciation to the Community Development Authority and UAE authorities for their efforts in safeguarding public safety.
The phased reopening reflects Dubai’s cautious approach to resuming religious activities while prioritising the wellbeing of the community.
