The United Arab Emirates is a country with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. Despite its status as a Muslim state, the UAE adheres to the principles of religious tolerance. A large number of Christians, including Orthodox Christians, live here. This is important information for those who are considering buying property in Dubai or other emirates for permanent residence or seasonal stays.

Orthodox churches in the UAE

Russian Orthodox Church

There is an Orthodox church in the UAE, owned by the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.

• The Church of St. Philip the Apostle, located in the Emirate of Sharjah, was opened in 2011. It is the first official Russian Orthodox Church in the country.
  
  
• The church was founded on September 9, 2007, in the presence of high-ranking clergy and government officials. The ceremony was led by Metropolitan Kirill (later Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia) and Sheikh Isam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Sharjah.
  
  
• The church regularly hosts services, celebrates religious holidays, holds spiritual talks and cultural events for the Russian-speaking Orthodox community.

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Armenian Apostolic Church

Orthodox Christians of the Armenian tradition are also free to profess their faith in the UAE.

• The Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator was opened in Sharjah in 1980 and serves a large Armenian diaspora.
  
  
• In 2014, the second Armenian church, the Church of the Holy Martyrs, was opened in Abu Dhabi. Its construction was made possible thanks to the support of the country's authorities.
  
  
• The land for the temple was allocated by the first President of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who also provided financial assistance during the initial construction phase.
  
  

The role of temples for expats and investors

The presence of functioning Orthodox churches in the UAE plays an important role in the religious, cultural and social life of expats. This is especially valuable for those who are considering:

• Moving with the whole family;
  
  
• Long-term accommodation;
  
  
• Investing in real estate for rent to members of the Russian-speaking or Armenian community.
  
  

Orthodox churches in the Emirates are becoming not only centers of spiritual life, but also places for compatriots to unite, hold holidays, lectures, and children's events.

If you want to learn more about the life of the Russian-speaking community in the UAE or find a property near culturally significant sites, contact us and our experts will help you make an informed choice.

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