Easter services in Dubai have been cancelled following escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Catholic churches suspending all masses in line with government safety directives.
St Francis of Assisi Church and St Mary’s Catholic Church both announced the suspension of physical gatherings, urging worshippers to stay away from church premises for their safety. St Mary’s noted that its Good Friday service would instead be streamed online via its YouTube channel.
The decision comes as the Jebel Ali area has experienced multiple missile and drone incidents linked to ongoing regional conflict involving Iran and its response to the Israeli-US offensive.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XVI has called for peace in separate conversations with Isaac Herzog and Volodymyr Zelensky. The discussions focused on the humanitarian impact of ongoing conflicts and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions.
The Pope emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian law, while also encouraging renewed dialogue to achieve lasting peace in the region.
The cancellations come during the Christian Holy Week leading up to Easter, highlighting the wider impact of the conflict on religious observances and community life.
