ASIA/ARAB EMIRATES – Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and the Filipino community of the Vicariate of Southern Arabia together for the ‘Simbang Gabi’ celebrations

Abu Dhabi – “We had often spoken with Cardinal Tagle about the possibility of his coming to the United Arab Emirates for the ‘Simbang Gabi’. This year, it has finally become a reality,” said the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia , Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., referring to the visit of the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization – Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches, Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, scheduled for December 16-18, 2025. The main purpose of the visit is to join the ‘Simbang Gabi’ or ‘Dawn Mass’ celebrations, a nine-day Filipino Catholic tradition of Masses held from December 15 to 23, leading up to Christmas.
“The Filipino community,” explains the Apostolic Vicar, “is the largest in the Vicariate,” which includes Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Cardinal Tagle will preside over the Mass in Dubai on Tuesday 16 and in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday 17.
During his two-day stay, Cardinal Tagle will have the opportunity to meet members of the Filipino community and learn more about their reality, as well as that of the wider Vicariate, through dedicated meetings with Bishop Paolo Martinelli, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, and his collaborators, including priests and community leaders.

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