DUBAI: Churches in the UAE announced a temporary closure during Easter due to safety concerns amid regional tension.
Churches including St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral said they would be closed due to a directive from the government and that Good Friday services would be held online via their official channels.
“Parishioners are requested to refrain from visiting the church premises, in the interest of safety and community well-being,” read the announcement.
The move marks a significant change for Christian communities, particularly during one of the holiest times of the year.
Traditionally, Holy Week is packed with communal prayers, large family gatherings and worship building up to Easter.
Dubai resident Sandra Sabbagh said Holy Week is one of the most anticipated times of the year.
“We fast for almost five weeks, and this week is considered a very important (one) during our fasting period. So yes, it’s disappointing. We wait for it from the very beginning of Lent,” she explained, adding that this is a time that is usually spent gathering in church with others.
“Of course, we are upset, but at the same time, the government would not have taken such a decision unless it was for the benefit of the people and their safety. And of course, we support the decisions. I pray that peace will come soon, that we can get through all of this situation, and that people can return to living in safety and peace, as we are used to in this country,” she said.
While livestreamed masses allow worshippers to maintain spiritual connection from home, many say the absence of physical attendance has left the holiday feeling incomplete, but they understand the importance of abiding by government rules.
Rachel Henry, a Dubai resident, said that while not being able to go to church is a disappointment, she is grateful that technology enables the community to come together virtually for worship.
“Thanks to technology and everything, we can attend online. So, the same sort of feeling is there of participating, but loss of not being physically present in the church and taking part is always there,” she said.
“We realize that it is all for our safety and our well-being, and we would like to abide by the rules,” she added.
Since Feb. 28, the UAE has been under attack from Iranian missiles and drones.
