Dubai: Thousands of Christians thronged to St. Mary's Catholic Church on Sunday night for the midnight mass in celebration of the Christmas Eve, braving the cold, mist and heavy traffic.
The whole church compound was full of worshippers and the crowd overflowed to the compound and football field beside the church in Oud Metha at 11:45pm.
Others standing in sections outside the main hall brought folding chairs and patiently waited for the mass to begin.
The Midnight Mass at St Mary's is one of the biggest gathering of Catholics in Dubai as the church is the largest parish in the region.
Antonia, a Filipina who works in a salon, said it took her 45 minutes to reach the church due to heavy traffic but it was all worth it.
"I'm happy that I can come to church tonight. I am praying for my family, for my work, and for good health for all," she told Gulf News.
Hundreds of volunteers were present to ensure the smooth flow of the crowd into the compound.
Some worshippers could be seen with Santa hats while others wore their best Sunday dresses.
