Filipinos attend Simbang Gabi masses at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai - in pictures

  • Filipinos attend Simbang Gabi at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Filipinos attend Simbang Gabi at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • More than 20,000 people were expected for the mass on December 22
    More than 20,000 people were expected for the mass on December 22
  • Maricris De Leon, centre, with her family and friends at Simbang Gabi at St Mary's Catholic Church
    Maricris De Leon, centre, with her family and friends at Simbang Gabi at St Mary's Catholic Church
  • The service also involves Filipino traditions such as favourite festive meals to celebrate Christmas
    The service also involves Filipino traditions such as favourite festive meals to celebrate Christmas
  • Simbang Gabi is a series of masses celebrated on the run-up to Christmas Day. There are nine in total
    Simbang Gabi is a series of masses celebrated on the run-up to Christmas Day. There are nine in total
  • The service on December 22 was celebrated by Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia
    The service on December 22 was celebrated by Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia
  • A choir performs at the Simbang Gabi mass in Dubai
    A choir performs at the Simbang Gabi mass in Dubai
  • Christmas devotions are very popular and the faithful arrive to take their seats from early in the day
    Christmas devotions are very popular and the faithful arrive to take their seats from early in the day
  • The church was decorated for Christmas
    The church was decorated for Christmas
  • Crowds pack St Mary's Catholic Church for the service
    Crowds pack St Mary's Catholic Church for the service
  • Simbang Gabi ends on December 23
    Simbang Gabi ends on December 23