Worshippers gather in Sharjah churches for Easter, uniting in prayer for peace despite regional unrest and Dubai church closures.
Newsroom (06/04/2026 Gaudium Press) Amid a backdrop of regional tension and security warnings, thousands of worshippers gathered across Sharjah on Sunday to mark Easter, choosing faith and unity over fear. At St Michael’s Catholic Church, one of the emirate’s largest congregations, services began at dawn and continued throughout the day, drawing Christians from across the UAE—particularly from Dubai, where several churches remain temporarily closed due to heightened security alerts following recent Iranian attacks.
Jogie Briones, a Filipino resident of Dubai, travelled with her husband and teenage son to Sharjah for the Easter service. After 18 years in the Emirates, she said this year’s celebration carried deeper meaning. “We came to the church in Sharjah because the churches closed for Easter due to the current tension,” she explained. “We have to keep our faith in God that everything will be back to normal. Don’t lose faith or hope. We come here to pray for peace with the community.”
For many expatriates, making the journey was not just about maintaining a tradition—it was an act of collective resilience. Egyptian carpenter Maher Makram, who attended Easter service for the first time away from his family, described his decision as one rooted in conviction. “I’m here to celebrate Easter despite the attacks,” he said. “I hope peace will prevail in every corner of the world. We need to pray for love and unity.” Though his children in Egypt were worried, Makram said the UAE remained a place where safety and faith coexisted. “They call me all the time, but I tell them I feel safe here. When families are far away, it’s important to pray and take care of each other.”
The crowds at St Michael’s reflected that sentiment. Long-time resident Archie Fernandes, a 43-year-old Indian national who has attended the same church for two decades, said he noticed a larger turnout this year. “It’s different—so many people came to pray, most for peace,” Fernandes said. “With the current situation, this is the right moment to come and pray for the country. I see new faces, many from other emirates.” For him, the gathering affirmed his faith in the UAE as a nation that values safety and coexistence. “This country has given us a lot. We must pray for it. I feel safe coming here to celebrate Easter.”
That sense of reassurance was echoed by others in attendance. Indian expatriate Simon Gerald, who arrived with his wife and two children, said the family’s participation symbolized hope and defiance. “The UAE government is very strong and they are defending us. We are not afraid,” Gerald said. “Our attendance is a message of resilience, as we are choosing faith, unity and hope over fear.”
Church officials confirmed that attendance had surged in recent weeks, as the faithful sought comfort and spiritual strength amid uncertainty. Father Savarimuthu Antonysamy, who has served in the Emirates for more than a decade and leads St Michael’s Church in Sharjah, said Easter services began early and were conducted in eight languages to serve the city’s diverse congregation. “In the last two weeks, we have seen more worshippers than usual coming to pray for world peace, especially in the Middle East,” he said.
Father Antonysamy added that temporary closures in Dubai had led many to travel not only to Sharjah but also to Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates. “Usually, in such situations, people might feel worried or scared, but they trust in God. They come in great numbers seeking guidance,” he said. He praised UAE authorities for ensuring that the services ran smoothly and securely, with police managing traffic and maintaining safety throughout the day. “We pray for the UAE and its rulers,” he added. “Every year, the government supports these gatherings, reminding everyone that this is a land of peace.”
As daylight faded over Sharjah, church bells rang, and worshippers filed out carrying candles and quiet smiles. Despite the tense regional backdrop, the message remained clear—faith endures even in uncertain times, and unity in prayer offers hope that peace might return to every corner of the world.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from The National
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