Silent Easter in Dubai: War in Ukraine Echoes in Malta’s Expat Community

In the heart of Dubai, the usually bustling St. Mary’s Church stood silent this Easter. The war in Ukraine, thousands of miles away, had reached the Gulf, not with bombs, but with an eerie stillness. The annual Easter Masses, a tradition for Dubai’s large expat community, including many Maltese, were cancelled. But why, and what does this mean for our local community?

War in Ukraine’s Unlikely Reach

Dubai, a city known for its skyscrapers and shopping malls, is home to over 200 nationalities, including a significant Maltese community. The war in Ukraine, with its escalating tensions and sanctions, has reached this global melting pot. The UAE, like many countries, has taken a stance against Russia, imposing sanctions. This, coupled with safety concerns, led to the cancellation of Easter Masses at St. Mary’s, the largest Roman Catholic church in Dubai.

“It’s surreal,” says Maltese expat, Marie Claire, who’s lived in Dubai for a decade. “I’ve never known Easter without Mass. It’s not just about religion; it’s about community, about coming together.”

Malta’s Connection: More Than Just Expats

Malta’s connection to Dubai runs deep. According to Malta’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, over 3,000 Maltese residents live in the UAE. Many work in finance, tourism, and construction. The UAE is also a significant trade partner for Malta, with bilateral trade amounting to €700 million in 2019.

But the connection is more than just numbers. It’s about people, about families. “My parents are in Malta,” says Maltese expat, Joseph, “They’re worried about me, about the situation. It’s strange to think that a war so far away can affect us here like this.”

Easter at Home: A New Tradition

This Easter, many Maltese expats in Dubai are finding new ways to celebrate. Some are hosting small gatherings at home, others are volunteering at local charities. The Maltese Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been proactive, hosting virtual Easter events and providing support to Maltese residents.

“It’s not the Easter we’re used to,” says Marie Claire, “But it’s a chance to create new traditions. To remember what’s important, even when things are uncertain.”

Back in Malta, the news from Dubai has sparked conversations. “It’s a reminder,” says Fr. Mark, a local priest, “That even in the midst of conflict, we can find ways to come together, to celebrate.”

As the war in Ukraine continues, its echoes are felt far and wide, even in the bustling streets of Dubai. But amidst the uncertainty, one thing is clear: the Maltese community, both at home and abroad, is resilient. And this Easter, they’re finding new ways to celebrate, to connect, and to hope.

For more information on supporting Maltese residents in the UAE, contact the Maltese Embassy in Abu Dhabi.