Dealing with the passing of a loved one is a challenging and emotional experience, made even more complex when it occurs in a foreign country. Andrea Coppola, CEO of Coppola Funeral Services in Dubai, shares valuable insights on the steps to take and the support available during such difficult times. Coppola Funeral Services, the first funeral home in Dubai and the UAE, has been providing comprehensive care to expatriates for nearly 15 years.
Coppola Funeral Services was established by the Coppola family to address the need for professional and compassionate funeral care in the UAE’s multicultural community. With a heritage rooted in Italy since 1920, Andrea emphasizes the company’s mission to serve with dignity and respect, catering to the cultural and religious diversity of the UAE. “Our goal was to provide a respectful and dignified option that aligns with local customs and international standards,” he shares with The Global Filipino Magazine.
Steps to take when a loved one passes away
When a loved one passes away abroad, the immediate step is to notify local authorities or the hospital where the death occurred. Coppola Funeral Services guides families through the complex processes of securing necessary documents, such as death certificates and burial permits. Andrea highlights the importance of choosing a reliable funeral service provider to manage logistics, stating, “We handle everything, allowing families to focus on their grief.”
The next step involves deciding on funeral arrangements. Families often opt for repatriation to their home country, while others may prefer cremation or burial in the UAE. Andrea points out that Coppola Funeral Services ensures every detail is tailored to the family’s preferences, adding, “Some Filipinos prefer to cremate their loved ones or have a burial here, and we cater to those requests as well.”
The process of repatriation
Repatriating human remains can be overwhelming due to the coordination required between various agencies, airlines, and embassies. Coppola Funeral Services has built strong partnerships to streamline this process. Andrea shares, “We ensure a smooth and efficient repatriation process, handling all documentation, logistics, and transportation to bring loved ones home with dignity.”
Coppola Funeral Services prides itself on cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. With multilingual staff and a deep understanding of diverse religious and cultural practices, the team provides personalized services to meet the unique needs of each family. “Since we are all expatriates here, we understand the importance of providing compassionate service that reflects the quality found in our home countries,” Andrea explains. He adds that their services cater not only to repatriation but also to funeral arrangements that align with the traditions of various nationalities.
Comprehensive funeral care
Beyond repatriation, Coppola Funeral Services offers a full range of services, including funeral arrangements, cremation, burial, embalming, transportation of the deceased, and the provision of coffins, urns, and funeral flowers. The company also provides grief counseling and memorial coordination to support families emotionally and logistically. Andrea emphasizes, “We want every nationality to feel that their loved ones are being cared for as if they were in their own country.”
Families can reach out to Coppola Funeral Services through their helpline at 800 FUNERAL or +971 52 868 1000. Andrea assures families that assistance is available 24/7. “We are here to provide immediate help and guidance to families during their most difficult times,” he says.
They are located in Al Quoz Ind. 3 – 4A Street – Dubai.
With a commitment to excellence and compassion, Coppola Funeral Services has become a trusted name for expatriates in the UAE, ensuring that every family receives the respect, care, and support they deserve. Andrea concludes, “We aim to meet the high standards of funeral services in Dubai, reflecting the exceptional quality found in countries like the USA, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia.”
