All masses in Dubai have been cancelled because of the Middle East war, AFP reports citing two Catholic churches in the United Arab Emirates.

Following government directives, “All masses at our Church are cancelled until further notice,” St Francis of Assisi Church at Jebel Ali in Dubai has posted.

The Jebel Ali coastal area has been hit several times by missiles and drones fired by Iran at neighbouring Gulf states in retaliation for the Israeli-US offensive launched on February 28.

“Parishioners are requested to refrain from visiting the Church premises, in the interest of safety and community well-being,” the announcement adds.

Meanwhile, St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai has published a similar announcement on its website, and said Good Friday’s mass would be live-streamed online instead, on the church’s YouTube channel.

Despite the announcements, some parishioners have prayed on the pavement outside the high walls of the St Mary’s compound.

“God is everywhere, but we needed to come here to feel a stronger connection,” says Karen, a Filipina in her forties. She adds that she also plans to watch the livestream on YouTube.