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How to Celebrate Easter in Dubai as an American

Easter is a special time for many Americans, marked by religious services, festive brunches, and family gatherings. If you’re in Dubai during Easter, you might wonder how to celebrate in a place where Christian holidays aren’t as prominently recognized as in the U.S. Fortunately, Dubai’s multicultural nature ensures plenty of ways to make the holiday special, whether you’re looking for a religious service, a lavish Easter brunch, or fun activities for the family.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways for Americans to celebrate Easter in Dubai, from church services to egg hunts and festive dining experiences.

Table of Contents

Attend an Easter church service.

Enjoy a Special Easter Brunch

Join an Easter egg hunt.

Family-Friendly Easter Activities

Easter-Themed Afternoon Teas

Shopping for Easter Treats

Easter Staycation Ideas

FAQs About Easter in Dubai

1. Attend an Easter Church Service

For many, Easter is about faith and reflection. Dubai is home to various Christian churches that hold special Easter services, including Catholic and Protestant congregations.

Where to Go for Easter Church Services in Dubai:

St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Oud Metha)—Offers Good Friday and Easter Sunday services.

Holy Trinity Church (Oud Metha)—Hosts Anglican and Protestant Easter services.

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jebel Ali hosts Easter Mass celebrations, offering services in several different languages.

Fellowship of the Emirates—A non-denominational Christian church with Easter worship services.

Pro Tip: Arrive early, as these services can get crowded, especially on Easter Sunday.

2. Enjoy a Special Easter Brunch

The city’s famous brunch tradition takes on a festive twist during Easter, maintaining its signature grandeur. Many hotels and restaurants curate special Easter-themed menus featuring traditional American favorites like glazed ham, roast lamb, deviled eggs, and delicious desserts.

Top Easter Brunch Spots in Dubai:

Bubbalicious at The Westin Mina Seyahi—A lively brunch with live entertainment, seafood, roasts, and Easter-themed desserts.

Saffron at Atlantis, The Palm – A vibrant brunch featuring over 220 dishes, including Easter specials.

Brasserie 2.0 at Le Royal Meridien hosts a lively Easter brunch, perfect for families looking to enjoy a festive dining experience.

The Irish Village—A relaxed and casual spot with an Easter feast and live music.

Pro Tip: Many Easter brunches include kids’ activities like face painting, live entertainment, and egg hunts. Book in advance, as spots fill up quickly!

For families with children, Easter egg hunts are

3. Join an Easter Egg Hunt

an essential part of the celebration. Several venues in Dubai organize egg hunts, making it a fun-filled day for families.

Best Places for Easter Egg Hunts in Dubai:

Special Easter egg hunts take place at Legoland Dubai and Riverland, hosted by Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Atlantis, The Palm, hosts its yearly Easter egg hunt within the exciting setting of Aquaventure Waterpark.

Reform Social & Grill—A British gastropub known for its family-friendly Easter brunch and egg hunt.

Expo City Dubai—Often has seasonal events, including Easter-themed activities for kids.

Pro Tip: Some Easter egg hunts require prior registration, so check with the venue before heading out.

4. Family-Friendly Easter Activities

Apart from church services and brunches, Dubai offers several ways to enjoy Easter with family and friends.

Fun Easter Activities in Dubai:

Visit Dubai Miracle Garden—springtime blooms make it a perfect Easter outing.

Take a Desert Safari—A unique way to celebrate Easter with camel rides and dune bashing.

Enjoy a Beach Picnic—Pack an Easter-themed picnic and spend the day at JBR Beach or Kite Beach.

Head to a theme park—Motiongate Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, or Global Village are great for a family outing.

5. Easter-Themed Afternoon Teas

For a more elegant Easter celebration, consider indulging in an afternoon tea with seasonal treats and pastries.

Best Easter Afternoon Teas in Dubai:

The Lobby Lounge at Burj Al Arab—A luxurious tea experience with Easter-inspired delicacies.

At Raffles Dubai, guests can enjoy an array of festive Easter pastries, scones, and indulgent sweets.

The Address Downtown—Features an elegant Easter afternoon tea with stunning views.

Pro Tip: Afternoon teas usually require reservations, so book in advance.

6. Shopping for Easter Treats

Missing Easter candy from back home? Several places in Dubai offer chocolates, hot cross buns, and seasonal treats.

Where to Buy Easter Treats in Dubai:

Spinneys & Waitrose—Stock traditional Easter chocolates and American-style Easter treats.

Patchi & Godiva – Offer gourmet chocolate Easter eggs and gift baskets.

Marks & Spencer—A great place to find hot cross buns and Easter-themed cakes.

7. Easter Staycation Ideas

If you want to turn Easter into a mini getaway, consider booking a staycation at one of Dubai’s luxurious resorts. Many hotels offer Easter packages with brunches and family activities.

Best Easter Staycations in Dubai:

Jumeirah Beach Hotel—Family-friendly resort with beach access and Easter-themed dining.

Often called Al Sufouh Beach, Black Palace Beach is a secluded treasure for those who value peace and quiet. Nestled beside the royal palaces, it offers calm waters and sweeping views of the Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab.

One&Only Royal Mirage—A tranquil and luxurious getaway for a relaxing Easter weekend.

Pro Tip: Book early, as hotels tend to fill up quickly during holiday weekends.

FAQs About Easter in Dubai

1. Is Easter a public holiday in Dubai?

No, Easter is not a public holiday in Dubai, but churches and many hotels celebrate it.

2. Are Easter church services allowed in Dubai?

Yes, many churches in Dubai hold Easter services, but they are mainly for registered congregations.

3. Can I buy Easter decorations and treats in Dubai?

Yes, supermarkets like Spinneys, Waitrose, and Marks & Spencer sell Easter chocolates and decorations.

4. Are there any special Easter events in Dubai?

Yes, various hotels, parks, and restaurants host Easter brunches, egg hunts, and themed activities.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating Easter in Dubai as an American may be different from back home, but the city offers plenty of opportunities to make it a memorable holiday. Whether you choose to attend a church service, enjoy an Easter brunch, or join a festive egg hunt, Dubai ensures you won’t miss out on the Easter spirit.

Plan ahead and make the most of your Easter celebration in Dubai!