Easter Silence in Dubai: Maltese Expats Face Cancelled Masses Amidst War Uncertainty

In the heart of Dubai’s Marina, the usually bustling streets around St. Mary’s Catholic Church are unusually quiet this Easter. The reason? The cancellation of all Easter masses due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This decision, while understandable, has left the Maltese expat community in Dubai grappling with an unexpected Easter void.

War’s Ripple Effect: Easter Masses Cancelled

In response to the escalating situation in Ukraine, the Catholic Church in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken the precautionary measure to cancel all Easter masses across the country. This includes the Maltese chaplaincy’s services at St. Mary’s Church in Dubai Marina, a spiritual home for many Maltese expats in the city.

“It’s a strange feeling,” says Maria, a Maltese expat who has been living in Dubai for five years. “Easter is such a big deal for us, and to not be able to go to mass, to not be able to celebrate together, it’s like a piece of home is missing.”

Finding Alternatives: Virtual Services and Private Prayers

While the physical doors of St. Mary’s Church may be closed, the spiritual ones remain open. The Maltese chaplaincy has been quick to adapt, offering virtual Easter services and encouraging private prayers at home. Father Mark, the Maltese chaplain in Dubai, has been reassuring the community via social media, “While we can’t be together physically, we are still united in spirit.”

Some expats have found solace in these virtual services, while others have chosen to pray privately at home or in small groups, following the guidelines set by the UAE government. “It’s not the same, but it’s something,” says Mario, another Maltese expat. “We’re making the best of a bad situation.”

Easter Traditions: A Taste of Home in Dubai

Easter in Malta is a vibrant mix of religious devotion and family traditions. From the Processions of the Mysteries to the traditional ‘Figolla’ biscuits, the spirit of Easter is deeply ingrained in Maltese culture. In Dubai, expats have been finding ways to keep these traditions alive, albeit in a different setting.

Many have been sharing recipes for traditional Maltese Easter dishes, like ‘Qaghaq tal-Mina’ and ‘Impaglia’ biscuits, on social media platforms. Some have even organized small, private Easter egg hunts for their children in their apartments or villas, a scaled-down version of the traditional Maltese ‘Ħajja’ game.

“It’s about making the most of what we have,” says Maria. “We can’t be in Malta, but we can still celebrate Easter in our own way, here in Dubai.”

As the sun sets on Dubai’s Marina, casting a golden glow over the usually bustling streets, the Maltese expat community prepares for an Easter Sunday unlike any other. While the physical churches may be closed, the spirit of Easter remains, carried on in the hearts and homes of the Maltese community in Dubai.

“This Easter, we may not be together, but we are still one community,” says Father Mark. “And when this is all over, we’ll celebrate together, bigger and better than ever.”