Dubai witnessed a historic gathering of over 30,000 churchgoers at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on the second night of Simbang Gabi, a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition. The event, held on December 16, 2025, was led by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, who is on a pastoral visit to the UAE.
A Night of Faith and Unity
The church grounds and nearby parking areas were filled with worshippers, many of whom arrived hours early to secure a spot. The Mass, celebrated in the evening to accommodate the schedules of overseas Filipino workers, highlighted the deep cultural and spiritual connection of the Filipino community to this Advent tradition.
Simbang Gabi, a nine-day novena leading up to Christmas, holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos abroad. In Dubai, the celebration has grown into a large-scale event, transforming the parish into a vibrant hub of prayer and community.
Cardinal Tagle’s Pastoral Visit
Cardinal Tagle’s presence added a significant spiritual dimension to the event. His visit to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, which runs from December 16 to 18, includes meetings with local church leaders and pastoral teams to address the needs of the Catholic community in the region.
The Cardinal is also scheduled to lead another Simbang Gabi Mass in Abu Dhabi on December 17, extending the celebration to Filipino Catholics in the capital.
A Testament to Faith
The overwhelming turnout for the second night of Simbang Gabi underscores the resilience and devotion of the Filipino community in the UAE. Despite being far from home, they continue to uphold their traditions, creating a sense of belonging and spiritual fulfillment.
This year’s Simbang Gabi celebrations have not only strengthened the faith of the attendees but also highlighted the unity and vibrancy of the Filipino diaspora in the Gulf region.