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Keep Christmas festivities in UAE low-key, be prudent: Religious leaders dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com Filed on December 19, 2020 Photo by Ryan Lim/Khaleej Times Churches in Sharjah have been given permission to organise Christmas masses under strict social distancing protocols this year. Though most UAE residents are keen on celebrating the Christmas season, religious leaders have reminded that merriments must remain low-key and Covid-safe. While churches in Sharjah have been given permission to organise Christmas masses under strict social distancing protocols this year, those in Dubai await a final decision on the matter from local authorities. Fr Lennie JA Conully, parish priest of the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai, urged the faithful to make safety a priority. “Celebrations can be done next year…life is more important,” he said.
Christmas masses in Sharjah Fr Joji Miriam from the St Gregorios Orthodox Church told Khaleej Times: “In Sharjah, our Christmas mass will be organised from 6pm to 10.30pm on December 24. Those wishing to participate should pre-register online.” In the UAE, there are many beautiful Mosques! but also beautiful Churches! (Al Noor Mosque / Orthodox Church) The church will accept only 160 worshippers to attend mass this year. “Last year, we had about 5,000 people attending the Christmas mass,” he added. All other festivities, like carolling, will not be taking place this year. “Regular mass is currently being organised at 50 per cent capacity. All worshippers have to wear masks and maintain a two-metre distance. Also, only people in the age group of 12-60 can come to the church.”
Christmas in UAE: Churches announce mass timings Photo by Ryan Lim/Khaleej Times All other festivities, like carolling, will not be taking place this year. Though most UAE residents are keen on celebrating the Christmas season, religious leaders have reminded that merriments must remain low-key and Covid-safe. While churches in Sharjah have been given permission to organise Christmas masses under strict social distancing protocols this year, churches in Dubai await a final decision on the matter from local authorities. Fr Lennie JA Conully, parish priest of the St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai, urged the faithful to make safety a priority. “Celebrations can be done next year…life is more important,” he said.