Maltese Easter in Dubai: Cancelled Masses Amid War Uncertainty
Easter Silence in Dubai: Maltese Expat Community Faces Cancelled Masses Amidst War Uncertainty
In the heart of Dubai’s bustling Jumeirah Beach Residence, the usually vibrant Maltese community is this year facing an unusual Easter. The annual Easter Masses, a cherished tradition that brings together hundreds of Maltese expats, have been cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The decision, taken by the Maltese Catholic Church in Dubai, has left many expats grappling with a sense of loss and uncertainty.
War’s Ripple Effects: From Kyiv to Dubai
The war in Ukraine, over 3,000 miles away, has reached into the lives of Maltese expats in Dubai. The cancellation of Easter Masses is just one of the many ways the conflict is being felt. The UAE, while not directly involved, has seen an influx of Ukrainian refugees and a rise in geopolitical tensions. For the Maltese community in Dubai, news of the war has been a constant reminder of the uncertainty and disruption it brings.
Finding Alternatives: Easter at Home and Online
With traditional Easter celebrations on hold, the Maltese community in Dubai is finding alternative ways to observe the holiday. Many are planning intimate family gatherings at home, cooking traditional Maltese dishes like ‘qagħqid’ and ‘fenek moqli’. Some are also turning to online services, with the Maltese Catholic Church in Dubai streaming Masses on their Facebook page.
Maria, a Maltese expat living in Dubai Marina, shares, “It’s not the same as being together in church, but we’re making the best of it. We’ll have a small Easter lunch at home, just the four of us. It’s strange not to be together with the community, but we understand the reasons behind the cancellation.”
: Hope and Resilience
Despite the disappointment, the Maltese community in Dubai remains hopeful. They look forward to next Easter, when they can once again gather together in celebration. In the meantime, they continue to support each other and the wider community, including those affected by the war in Ukraine.
As one expat puts it, “Easter is about hope and renewal. Even if we can’t be together this year, we know that next year will be different. And until then, we’ll keep the spirit of Easter alive in our hearts and our homes.”
