UAE's Christians mark Christmas Day with services in several languages

Christmas is a time that brings hope in a world still shaken by turmoil and war, Christians have been told at services in the UAE.

Hundreds of thousands are attending Christmas services in languages including English, Arabic, Hindi and Tagalog at churches, from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah.

From midnight mass to dozens of services on Thursday, which is Christmas Day, family and friends have been gathering for one of the most important dates in the Christian calendar.

At St Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, the church complex was thronged with people for midnight mass.

Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, told the Roman Catholic congregation that Christmas is a moment of huge hope “in this world still so shaken by turmoil and war”.

He said Jesus being born in a “hut of humility” was important to remember: “He did not want to impose himself through force and violence, as we often see the powerful of this world do, but he chose the path of humility so that we might welcome him freely and not out of fear. This child born in a stable is the hope of the world. He brings us light, peace and reconciliation.”

Christmas Eve Mass in Abu Dhabi - in pictures

Father Chito, Parish Priest of St Joseph Church in Abu Dhabi, during the 8pm Christmas Eve Mass. All photos by Victor Besa / The National

Worshippers during Christmas Eve Mass at St Joseph Church in Abu Dhabi

Tens of thousands of faithful are expected to come in to pray at the country’s oldest church through Christmas Day

The church reflects the multicultural tapestry of the UAE

Families and friends bowed their heads and recited prayers in unison

Worshippers at St Joseph Church in Abu Dhabi. Places of worship are creating memorable experiences that blend reverence with festivity

According to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, the jurisdiction of the Catholic Church covering UAE, Oman and Yemen, about 800,000 worshippers will gather in parishes for all Christmas services, with 200,000 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai alone.

The faithful turned out as early as 5.30am at the church in Oud Metha for the first Mass on Christmas Day.

So large were the crowds that screens were set up outside the church to broadcast the service. Bells rang out and the sound of hymns drifted from the church into the streets. The faithful lit candles at shrines and bowed their heads in quiet prayer.

"It is really nice her