Faith, hope and love: A guide to churches in Dubai
Curious about the religious landscape of Dubai? This may come as a surprise to the uninitiated that the city is home to several churches. Whether you’re a practising Christian or simply interested in exploring different faiths, here’s a guide to the churches in Dubai.
List of best Churches in Dubai
Since expatriates make up a majority of the population in the UAE, there’s a large number of Christians living in Dubai. That’s why the place doesn’t fall short of worship centres. Let’s have a look at our list of churches in Dubai, their denomination, location and the communities they cater to.
TOP CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN DUBAI
Dubai’s Catholic churches are known for their welcoming atmosphere and well-organised services. They cater to diverse nationalities and offer masses in multiple languages.
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
St. Mary’s Catholic Church is one of the most-visited Catholic churches in Dubai. It was established by the Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the then UAE Prime Minister and Vice President. He donated land in 1966 to this church.
The inauguration was done the next year, but it was rebuilt on a larger area in 1988 to cater to a growing community of Catholic Christians in Dubai. Presently, this church in Bur Dubai can accommodate around 2,000 people and is also one of the oldest churches in Dubai and the whole GCC region.
- Location: 247 Oud Metha Road, opposite Indian High School, Bur Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-337-0087 | +971-4-335-8504
- Timings: Daily, 08:30 am – 12:30 pm and 04:00 pm – 08:30 pm
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH
Among the famous churches in Dubai, St. Francis of Assisi Church stands out as a leading Catholic landmark. Inaugurated by Bishop Bernard Gremoli in November 2001, it is set just off Sheikh Zayed Road in Jebel Ali.
The parish spans 50,000 sq. ft. and includes a main church, parish hall and the Padua Centre with multiple halls for prayer and learning. Visitors admire the striking mosaic of Jesus embracing St. Francis, which adds a profound spiritual presence to the sanctuary.
- Location: 209, Al Muntazah Complex Street, Jebel Ali
- Contact: +971-4-884-5251
- Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 am – 12:00 pm and 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm
ORTHODOX CHURCHES IN DUBAI
Orthodox churches form an important part of the Dubai churches list, serving long-established communities with rich traditions.
MOR IGNATIUS JACOBITE SYRIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
The Mor Ignatius Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Cathedral in Dubai traces its roots back to 1976 when a small group of seven devotees, led by Thomas K., gathered to form the Dubai Jacobite Syrian Christian Association. Their goal was to establish a place of worship and community for Syrian Orthodox Christians in the region.
A significant milestone was the construction of the church building in Jebel Ali, which was consecrated in 2001. This provided a permanent home for the growing community. The church continues to serve its members and the wider community through various spiritual and social activities, including Sunday School, youth groups and charitable initiatives.
- Location: 208, Al Muntazah Complex Street, Jebel Ali
- Contact: +971-4-884-4382 | +971-50-459-2844
- Timings: Monday to Saturday, 06:00 am – 09:00 pm | Sunday, 06:00 am – 11:00 am
ST. THOMAS ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL
St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral is one of the most established parishes in Dubai’s Orthodox community. Built on land gifted by the UAE ruler in 1972, the church reflects both heritage and growth. Its affiliation with the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church ensures a strong connection to tradition.
The original structure accommodated a small group, but today the congregation has expanded significantly, showcasing the steady rise of Orthodox Christians in the city. Located in Oud Metha, the cathedral now serves over 3,500 members.
- Location: 11th Street, Near Indian High School, Oud Metha
- Contact: +971-4-337-1122
- Timings: Daily, 05:30 am – 10:30 pm
ST. MINA CHURCH (EGYPTIAN COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH)
St. Mina Church represents the Egyptian Coptic community in Dubai. Established in Jebel Ali, it reflects both cultural heritage and religious devotion. The church stands as a symbol of appreciation for the contributions of Egyptian Christians in the UAE.
It offers daily services and community activities, making it one of the best churches in Dubai for Coptic worshippers.
- Location: 211, Al Muntazah Complex Street, Jebel Ali
- Contact: +971-4-884-4000
- Timings: Daily, 07:30 am – 10:00 pm
Other orthodox churhces in Dubai include:
- Our Lady Of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
- St. Mark & Ava Bishoy Coptic Orthodox Church
- St. Gregorios Orthodox Church Jebel Ali
PROTESTANT & EVANGELICAL CHURCHES IN DUBAI
These churches are known for their diverse congregations and accessible services. Many offer English-language sermons and community-focused programmes.
COVENANT HOPE CHURCH
As an evangelical community of believers in a predominantly Muslim country, Covenant Hope Church comprises individuals from diverse nationalities and faiths. The church focuses on building faith through shared learning and spiritual growth.
As one of the English speaking churches in Dubai, it provides an open environment for those exploring Christianity. Visitors from other religion are also welcome to attend their meaningful and community-driven services.
- Location: Emmanuel Hall, Dubai Evangelical Church Centre (DECC), Jebel Ali
- Contact: +971-50-630-9694
- Timings: Sundays, 03:00 pm
EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF DUBAI
Established in 1972, this church is one of the oldest evangelical congregations in the city. It centres its teachings on the Bible, with regular gatherings that include prayer, singing and sermons.
It remains a key part of the top churches in Dubai for English-speaking worshippers. The church encourages community involvement and outreach.
- Location: Dubai Evangelical Church Centre (DECC), Jebel Ali
- Contact: +971-4-808-9988
- Timings: Sundays, 10:30 pm
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
Holy Trinity Church Dubai is a unique interdenominational Christian community that welcomes those from various Protestant backgrounds. Associated with the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, the church has been a vital part of Dubai’s Christian community for over fifty years.
The beautiful and memorable church building offers a place of worship, comfort and inspiration for many. The church community strives to be ambassadors for Christ in their daily lives. The land for the church was generously donated by the UAE rulers, reflecting the positive relationship between the Christian community and the government that continues to this day.
Now you know where to go if you are looking for a protestant church in Dubai!
- Location: 7415, Oud Metha Road, Al Karama, Umm Hurair 2
- Contact: +971-4-337-0247
- Timings: Daily, 09:00 am – 09:00 pm
EMIRATES BAPTIST CHURCH INTERNATIONAL
This is one of the few Baptist churches in Dubai. It follows the Holy Bible and comprises mainly of expat English-speaking believers. The congregation at this Dubai church is a diverse one, having people from all age groups in attendance. It is mainly catering to Christians living in Al Mankhool and neighbouring areas.
- Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences, Al Mankhool
- Contact: +971-50-646-2079
- Timings: Sunday, 10:00 am (Bible Study) and 11:00 am (Worship)
Beside the churches mentioned worshippers can also visit:
- Redeemer Church Dubai
- King’s Revival Church International Dubai
- The Dubai City Church
- Dubai Central Seventh-day Adventist Church
FAQS ABOUT CHURCHES IN DUBAI AND MORE
Where are the churches located in Dubai?
Most churches in Dubai are located in areas such as Oud Metha, Jebel Ali and Al Mankhool. These districts are known for hosting several places of worship. The locations are easily accessible and often close to residential communities, making regular visits convenient.
Which is the oldest church in Dubai?
St. Mary’s Catholic Church is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most established churches in the city. It dates back to the late 1960s and continues to serve a large community.
So that’s it for our list of churches in Dubai. Most of the residential areas in Dubai boast churches, not too far away. If you are a Christian resident, you can engage in plenty of Easter activities in Dubai each year. You can also contact these churches to find out mass timings for Easter Sunday or any of the other days in the Holy Week.
Christian community in the capital can visit these popular churches in Abu Dhabi. Similarly, you can also find churches in Sharjah.
