Gulf States: Society

In April 2026, authorities in Dubai ordered the temporary closure of several major non-Muslim places of worship, including Catholic churches, Hindu temples, and a Sikh Gurudwara. The suspension of services, which covered the Easter weekend, was officially announced as being in the "interest of safety." One report directly linked this precautionary measure to the broader context of the ongoing war in the Middle East, which led to the cancellation of Easter masses.

Worshippers were advised to pray from home during this period of closure. The coordinated action across multiple faith communities represents a significant, if temporary, alteration to the regular practice of religious life in the emirate, highlighting local security assessments in response to regional tensions.