Dubai Catholic churches announce 100% reopening after temporary restrictions
Dubai — A full reopening of both the largest Catholic churches in Dubai has been announced, enabling parishioners to resume all church activities suspended earlier this year.
Both St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oud Metha and Jebel Ali's St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church confirmed they are once again returning to their normal operations after new updates from the authorities.
St. Mary's
St. Mary's Catholic Church announced the news from the Community Development Authority in a message sent to parishioners.
"Fr. Leny Supe Escalada, OFMCap.— We are pleased and excited to announce that the Community Development Authority has announced that our church will be 100 percent open today, July 1st, 2026."
An official announcement would be made in due course, it has been added.
St. Francis
In a similar move, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church has also said that it's reopening completely.
In an Instagram post, the church stated, "We therefore have heeded these latest injunctions and are now ready to resume all activities at the church.
With some worshippers returning to church, it has also advised all to 'continue showing respect, consideration and care for others in accordance with any relevant guidelines'.
In addition, the church stated it is looking forward to receiving parishioners and their families again.
Restrictions introduced in April
The most recent announcements have therefore come to an end of temporary precautionary measures applied in April.
Outdoor meetings and events held in the church buildings were halted back then, as a measure to promote social distancing.
Compulsory weekend masses can only be attended by adults aged 18 years and older, and worshippers are required to pre-register online via the church's official website. Churches have been barred from admitting children and unregistered visitors.
The churches streamed their services online in a bid to get parishioners watching who have not been able to get into mass.
Return to normal parish life
The newest reopening allowed parishioners to anticipate resuming traditional church activities once more.
Along with the announcement of their reopening both churches have reminded worshippers to continue to be considerate toward others and observe any guidelines that would apply while attending services.
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