Christmas Day Mass at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai - in pictures

  • Mass was celebrated at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai on Christmas morning. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Mass was celebrated at St Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai on Christmas morning. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • An estimated 200,000 faithful were in attendance on Thursday morning
    An estimated 200,000 faithful were in attendance on Thursday morning
  • They turned out as early as 5.30am enjoying the festive and religious spirit of the occasion
    They turned out as early as 5.30am enjoying the festive and religious spirit of the occasion
  • Christmas Day 2025 was celebrated in churches and communities across the UAE
    Christmas Day 2025 was celebrated in churches and communities across the UAE
  • Across the UAE churches, have been decorated for the festive season
    Across the UAE churches, have been decorated for the festive season
  • Mass is a key part of marking Christmas for Christians of Latin rite
    Mass is a key part of marking Christmas for Christians of Latin rite
  • Prayers were offered on Thursday morning as a symbol of devotion
    Prayers were offered on Thursday morning as a symbol of devotion
  • Messages of hope were shared by Christian leaders and clerics of all denominations
    Messages of hope were shared by Christian leaders and clerics of all denominations
  • A nativity scene at St Mary's Catholic Church
    A nativity scene at St Mary's Catholic Church
  • So large were the crowds that screens were set up outside some churches to accommodate the faithful
    So large were the crowds that screens were set up outside some churches to accommodate the faithful