In an unprecedented weather-related disruption, Dubai’s St. Mary’s Catholic Church cancelled Thursday evening’s Simbang Gabi celebrations due to heavy rainfall and unstable atmospheric conditions. The traditional Filipino outdoor mass, scheduled for 8 PM on December 18, 2025, was called off following directives from Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA) prioritizing public safety.
The church administration announced the cancellation at approximately 5:30 PM, citing adverse weather conditions that made outdoor gatherings potentially hazardous. While the special Simbang Gabi mass will not be streamed virtually, the regularly scheduled 7 PM mass will be available through online streaming platforms as an alternative arrangement.
This nine-day religious observance, deeply rooted in Filipino Catholic tradition dating back to the Spanish colonial period of the 1600s, typically attracts enormous congregations. Recent celebrations witnessed attendance figures surpassing 20,000 on opening night, with Tuesday’s service reportedly drawing approximately 30,000 worshippers—particularly notable when Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the prominent Filipino prelate, presided over ceremonies.
Church authorities emphasized their commitment to compliance with official safety directives, announcing the suspension of all parish events and activities until further notice. Parishioners received explicit guidance to remain indoors and avoid gatherings during the ongoing period of meteorological instability. The church administration pledged to provide timely updates as weather conditions evolve and new official guidance emerges.
The cancellation represents a significant disruption to a cherished cultural tradition that Filipino expatriates introduced to the UAE in the early 2000s. Similar Simbang Gabi observances occur simultaneously at multiple Catholic churches across the Emirates, though St. Mary’s typically hosts the largest congregation within its expansive outdoor compound specifically designed to accommodate massive attendance.