Simbang Gabi 2025 Begins in UAE: Filipino Christmas Tradition Unites Expats in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
The cherished Filipino Christmas tradition of Simbang Gabi has officially commenced across the United Arab Emirates, offering the vibrant Filipino diaspora a profound spiritual and cultural touchstone during the holiday season. Starting on the evening of December 15, 2025, the nine-day devotional novena brings thousands of Filipino Catholics together in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, fostering a powerful sense of community and connection to homeland traditions.
What is Simbang Gabi?
Simbang Gabi, which translates to “Night Mass,” is a centuries-old Filipino Catholic tradition consisting of nine dawn Masses from December 16 to 24. It is a spiritual preparation for Christmas, symbolizing the faithful’s journey and anticipation. For overseas Filipino communities, the Masses are typically held in the evening to accommodate work schedules, ensuring this sacred practice remains accessible to all.
UAE Celebrations: Dubai and Abu Dhabi Hubs
In the UAE, two major churches serve as the heart of this tradition:
In Dubai, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oud Metha is the central gathering point. Evening Masses begin around 8:00 PM, drawing a diverse congregation of professionals, domestic workers, students, and families.
In Abu Dhabi, the faithful congregate at St. Joseph’s Cathedral for similarly scheduled services.
These Masses are characterized by festive decorations, heartfelt prayers, and the singing of traditional Filipino hymns (kampanilya, Pasko Na!), creating an atmosphere that vividly echoes Christmas in the Philippines.
A Cultural Anchor for the Filipino Diaspora
For the over 700,000 Filipinos in the UAE, Simbang Gabi is more than a religious obligation; it is a vital cultural and emotional anchor. It addresses the poignant longing for home (pangungulila) that many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) experience during the holidays.
“Attending Simbang Gabi here makes me feel closest to home,” shared Maria Santos, a long-time Dubai resident. “The familiar prayers, the community, the scent of bibingka afterwards—it’s a piece of the Philippines we carry with us.”
Community, Faith, and Familiar Flavors
The tradition powerfully unites Filipinos from all walks of life, strengthening communal bonds. Following the Mass, the fellowship often continues with the sale of traditional Filipino holiday delicacies like bibingka (rice cake with salted egg) and puto bumbong (purple rice dessert), allowing attendees to savor the authentic tastes of a Filipino Christmas.
A Testament to Enduring Faith and Tradition
The robust observance of Simbang Gabi in the UAE underscores the Filipino community’s deep-rooted faith and their remarkable ability to transplant and sustain cultural traditions abroad. It stands as a testament to their resilience and the shared identity that thrives despite distance.
As the novena continues nightly until December 23, culminating in the joyous celebration of Christmas Eve, Simbang Gabi remains a luminous thread connecting the Filipino heart to its homeland, proving that the spirit of Paskong Pilipino (Filipino Christmas) shines brightly in the UAE.
