The SMCCFilipino Facebook page has shared a series of photos showing volunteers at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai preparing large Christmas installations ahead of this year’s Simbang Gabi, which is scheduled to take place from December 15 to 23 at 8:00 PM. The annual event, organized for the Filipino Catholic community, continues to serve as one of the biggest holiday traditions in the UAE.
In the posted images, community members are seen assembling a towering Christmas tree, setting up illuminated decorations, and constructing themed displays within the church compound. Volunteers worked late into the evening, installing lights and building structures in time for the opening of the nine-day novena masses.
This year’s celebration includes community-based activities such as a parol-making competition, Christmas village/diorama contest, and a Christmas carol writing competition, with guidelines previously released by SMCC Filipino. The contests encourage the use of recycled materials and original compositions, underscoring the community’s emphasis on creativity, tradition, and faith.
Simbang Gabi at St. Mary’s has consistently drawn a large number of Filipino parishioners, transforming the church grounds into a festive venue that blends cultural heritage with religious devotion. While traditionally held at dawn in the Philippines, the Dubai schedule continues at 8:00 PM to accommodate overseas workers and families.
