If you ever go to a service in Jebel Ali you will be struck by how many religions practice in close proximity. At this time of year, the Christian faith come to the fore-font and that’s no different in islamic countries. Just as Islam is practiced around the world, and many have large gatherings for Ramadan, the same happens in the UAE for Christmas.

These incredible scenes were captured at Christians gathered at St. Mary’s Church in Oud Metha to celebrate Christmas this evening

The images tweeted by @anthonypermal are credited to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Dubai.

‘Christianity in Dubai’

This is Christianity in #Dubai. This is this week. These r Christians at St. Mary’s Church & due to space, in parking lot & on the bridge. pic.twitter.com/CzmMqeTejE

— Tony Khan (@anthonypermal) December 19, 2016

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There was a huge turnout

The church can hold 1000, compound 5000. Parking lot another 2000. This is a Filipino Christmas special prayer service. In a Muslim country

— Tony Khan (@anthonypermal) December 19, 2016

95% of non-Emirati respondents to a new survey said they have freedom of religious expression

Earlier today the CDA published the fourth Dubai Social Survey conducted by Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA), in collaboration with Dubai Statistics Center (DSC). We wrote about it here.

You can celebrate mass through the Christmas period at St Mary’s Church. Details below or on their website.

Timings are as follows

Christmas Mass in Dubai is an awful lot different to mass in Derry… ???? pic.twitter.com/FR9Hun6LT3

— Kiera Doherty ☀ كيرا (@kikipigeon) December 19, 2016

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