Complete guide to the churches in Sharjah
While Sharjah is celebrated for its stunning Islamic architecture and cultural heritage, it also fosters an inclusive environment for diverse faiths. Churches in Sharjah serve as a testament to this spirit of tolerance, offering a peaceful sanctuary for thousands of expatriates and visitors alike. Beyond their role as places of worship, these churches are architectural landmarks and vibrant community centres. Here’s our guide to all the churches in the city.
CHURCHES IN SHARJAH
Most churches in Sharjah are concentrated in the Al Yarmook area, which is one of the main reasons many Christians in Sharjah prefer to live in the vicinity or rent apartments in Bu Daniq. Let’s take a look at the churches in the emirate.
ST MICHAEL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
Present in the city since October 1997, St. Michael’s Church Sharjah is headed by six different priests who impart the same message of God in different languages. Having multiple priests ensures that the divine word reaches every ear that wishes to hear and learn from it.
This Catholic church hosts around 40,000 parishioners of different nationalities but of the same faith. 35 different prayer groups celebrate the Holy Masses in 9 different languages, sending out the message of acceptance and harmony. If you’re looking for Catholic churches in Sharjah with Catechism programs, enrol your child at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
- Location: 15 Abdullah Bin Anees St, 21st St – Al Yarmook
- Contact: +971-6-566-2424
ST. MARTIN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
St. Martin’s Anglican Church is part of the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, under the leadership of Sean Alexander John Semple.
St. Martin’s Anglican Church runs various ministries, each focusing on a certain group of people (women, teens, children) or a matter of importance (sports, activities, fellowships). The church in Sharjah also hosts teachers and followers of other Christian denominations when required.
- Location: Abdullah Bin Qais Street, Al Yarmook
- Contact: +971-6-566-3388
ST. MARY’S JACOBITE SYRIAN SOONORO PATRIARCHAL CATHEDRAL
One of the oldest churches in Sharjah, St. Mary’s Church, has been around in the city since the 1980s. Even though they had no physical presence before 1997, the parish diligently served people of the faith.
Today, St. Mary’s Church has become an epitome of harmony, peace and valuable Christian teachings for its followers in Sharjah. Apart from regular church service, the church operates a proper Sunday school for kids, where classes are conducted every Friday after the Holy Qurbana. The church also provides bus services for its followers.
- Location: Al Dhahak Bin Harethah Street, 26th Street, Al Yarmook
- Contact: +971-6-566-3384
RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH SHARJAH
One of the orthodox churches in Sharjah is the Russian Orthodox Church. Opening doors to orthodox compatriots in August 2011, the church provides regular church services, baptisms and wedding officiating.
The church also has a successful Sunday school for kids and a Russian cultural and educational centre open to all worshippers. Followers can make prior arrangements for prayers, weddings or baptisms by appointment with the priest.
- Location: Jaber Bin Abdullah Street 33, Al Yarmook
- Contact: +971-50-787-0612
ST. GREGORIOS ORTHODOX CHURCH
In the 1970s, a lot of South Asians moved to the UAE to find jobs. Among these was a considerable population of Orthodox Christians from Kerala, India. Back then, there were hardly any churches in Sharjah – let alone orthodox churches to cater to this faction of the Christian faith.
This led to the formation of a Prayer Group that gained patronage from the St. Thomas Orthodox Church in Dubai. What started as a once-a-month prayer meeting back in 1973 has now developed into one of the most popular Orthodox Christian churches in Sharjah – the St. Gregorios Orthodox Church. Apart from the regular church service, this Sharjah church is actively involved in giving back to its community in India.
- Location: Abdullah Bin Anees Street, Al Yarmook
- Contact: +971-56-288-7010
MAR THOMA PARISH SHARJAH
Formed during the 1960s by Mar Thoma Christians who travelled to the UAE in search of employment, the Sharjah Mar Thoma Parish is another of the notable churches in Sharjah. Land for the church complex was officially allotted by His Highness Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi in 1995.
The church also has a school with young participants, as more families from Kerala settled in the emirate. It is now over a thousand-student strong and has 110 teachers.
- Location: Al Dhahak Bin Harethah Street, Al Yarmook
- Contact: +971-6-567-4876
SAINT GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR ARMENIAN CHURCH
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Sharjah stands as a symbol of faith, heritage, and unity for the Armenian community in the UAE. Armenians began gathering for worship in the 1960s and 1970s by attending services in other churches, until the growing community envisioned a church of its own.
Officially inaugurated in 1998 by Aram I, the church complex also includes a community hall and school. Today, it serves as a spiritual and cultural hub, preserving Armenian traditions, language and identity while bringing the community together through worship and education.
- Location: Al Dhahak Bin Harethah Street, Al Yarmook
- Contact: +971-6-566-0320
FAQS ABOUT CHURCHES IN SHARJAH
Where is St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Sharjah located?
St. Michael’s Catholic Church is located in the Al Yarmook area, Halwan suburb, Sharjah, UAE.
Which churches in Sharjah offer Sunday Mass?
Many churches in Sharjah offer Sunday Mass, including St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Martin’s Anglican Church and others in Al Yarmook area.
What are the mass timings for churches in Sharjah?
Mass timings vary by church but usually include early-morning and evening services. For example, St. Michael’s Church has Sunday Mass at different times, from around 05:45 am to 07:00 pm.
Are there English church services in Sharjah?
Yes, many churches in Sharjah offer English services, especially larger churches like St. Michael’s.
Where can expats attend church services in Sharjah?
Expats can attend services in the Al Yarmook church complex, where many churches welcome different nationalities.
Are churches in Sharjah open on weekdays?
Yes, many churches are open throughout the week and offer daily services.
Can tourists attend church services in Sharjah?
Yes, tourists can attend church services as long as they respect the rules and environment.
That concludes our list of the Sharjah Churches. As we mentioned, most of the churches in Sharjah are concentrated mainly in Al Yarmook. Please bear in mind that most Sharjah church timings aren’t constant. Make sure you call ahead of time to avoid any inconveniences.
If you live in Dubai, you can pray at these churches in Dubai. You can also take a look at churches in Ajman serving the Christian community in the emirate. For a change, check out the beautiful mosques in Sharjah as well.
Featured Image Credit: Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church (Facebook Page)
