Dubai: The traditional Simbang Gabi will be deeply missed by Catholic Filipinos in Dubai due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There will be no evening masses that attract close to 25,000 people every night for nine days leading to Christmas at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oud Metha. There will only be virtual Simbang Gabi starting on December 15.
“This is part of our preventive measures against COVID-19,” Filipino priest Fr Chito Bartolo, OFM Cap, told Gulf News. “There will be no in-person Simbang Gabi in Dubai as the Catholic churches remain closed. But St. Mary’s Church and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali will have a joint online Simbang Gabi beginning on December 15 at 7.45pm,” he added.