Dubai: New Hot Spot for Catholic Pilgrimage



When you hear the term, “Catholic Pilgrimage”, you probably think of places like the Holy Land and Rome. While Dubai may be last on your list, it is actually becoming a popular destination for Catholic Pilgrims!

Dubai is home to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, which is one of the largest (if not the largest) Parish in the world, with an estimated 400,000 parishioners. The parishioners are very active Catholics who attend Mass regularly, leading to standing room only - especially over the weekend. The Church was designed to accommodate more than 2,000 worshipers at each service, with Masses being celebrated in nine (9) languages.

In 1966, St. Mary’s Catholic Church was founded by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, who donated the land in the center or Dubai for the Church to be built upon.  Fr. Eusebio Daveri built the original Church, and dedicated it to Our Lady of the Assumption. In 1988, the original building was demolished, and a larger Church was built in its place to accommodate the growing number of Catholic patrons.



In addition to this astonishing Church, and Catholic community, Dubai has much more to offer traveling Pilgrims. What is now one of the world’s most spectacular and lively metropolises, was built from a small fishing village at the Dubai Creek.  With its striking architecture, beautiful beaches, and extravagant culture, Dubai impresses all who visit!

On our tour, Pilgrims will have the opportunity to take water taxis, known as “Abras”, to cross the Dubai creek, and visit the Dubai Museum. You will also visit Al Fahidi Fortress, and even climb the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world - standing at 2,722 feet! Also, near Dubai is the exciting Desert Safari where our pilgrims can try sand boarding, camel riding, Henna designs, and watch traditional belly dancing by campfire light.



Our Pilgrims will also visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates, known as the Arabian Jewel. The Jebel Ali Port is the biggest man-made post in the world, and is a spectacle to behold. Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - one of the largest Mosques in the world. We also recommend a drive through the beautiful Corinche, it is a must! 



A great way to see Dubai is to make a stop there on your way to, or returning home, from another Pilgrimage, perhaps to the Holy Land, Jordan or Greece? Just a few days in this amazing place is all you need to immerse yourself in this unique culture, and make memories to last a lifetime.

Learn more about our available pre or post tour to Dubai here!