Dubai lifts the pause in worship with the resumption of Darshan temple and church services with limited access / Photo: File
After days of precautionary lockdown across Dubai, the two major places of worship, the Shri Krishna Temple Dubai and St Mary’s Catholic Church Dubai, officially reopened to the public on 11 April 2026, marking a gradual return to normal religious activity in the emirate.The reopening follows temporary suspensions introduced earlier this month under government safety directives amid rising regional tensions, which have affected churches, synagogues and other places of worship across the city.
Why were places of worship closed in Dubai?
The closures began on April 3, when authorities instructed houses of worship to stop in-person gatherings and shift to online services as a precaution.This period coincided with Holy Week, one of the most important times in the Christian calendar, when churches typically see peak attendance.
Several major churches, including the Church of St Mary and St Francis of Assisi in Jebel Ali, have suspended all masses and activities, while Hindu temples and temples have also followed similar directives.Religious authorities and church leaders urged worshipers to comply, stressing that the move was temporary and aimed at preserving the well-being of the community.
Shri Krishna Temple resumes darshan in Dubai
The historic Shri Krishna Temple in Dubai, one of the oldest Hindu temples in the UAE, has reopened for regular darshan from Saturday, April 11.
Temple authorities confirmed that the reopening is in line with directives issued by the Community Development Authority, and is part of broader efforts to safely restore access to religious sites.Located in Bur Dubai, the temple has long served as a spiritual center for the Indian expatriate community and follows traditional Pushtimarg rituals centered around Lord Krishna.Devotees can now return for daily darshan sessions, which typically occur several times from early morning to evening, however, visitors are expected to continue to adhere to official safety and community guidelines.
Reopening of St. Mary’s Church
Meanwhile, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai resumed services as of April 11, but with limited attendance and access controlled.The Apostolic Vicariate for South Arabia, which oversees Catholic churches in the region, confirmed the reopening. The church will operate with limited in-person services to ensure compliance with safety measures.St. Mary’s Church is one of the largest Catholic parishes in the region, serving a diverse congregation of more than 350,000 worshipers of various nationalities.
Services are held in multiple languages throughout the week.
Looking forward
The reopening of the two institutions reflects a broader and carefully managed return to normalcy in Dubai, as authorities continue to balance public safety with the needs of the community.Religious institutions across the city are expected to operate under regulatory frameworks, with an emphasis on controlled gatherings and adherence to official guidelines.For thousands of residents, the reopening is more than just a shift in policy, it restores access to spiritual spaces that play a central role in community life, especially during important religious periods.
