Christ Church, Jebel Ali is an Anglican church based in Dubai. It is the southernmost of the five Anglican churches in the Chaplaincy. It is located halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It was inaugurated on 8 March 2002.
The church is mainly for foreign workers who constitute the bulk of the population. Most of the foreign workers are manual workers commanding low pay. Taking this into consideration the ruler of Dubai donated the land to build the church, for the betterment of the life of foreign workers.
Christ Church Jebel Ali History
In 1977, as more expatriate Christians came to Dubai, the small fellowship constituted itself as a church, called the International Evangelical Church of Dubai. The church met on Sundays in the Jumeirah American School (now the American School of Dubai), and Sunday School was held there in the afternoons.
In 1990, the church leased a large Arabic style villa in Jumeirah (the “Jumeirah Villa”), which remained the church home until September 2003, and continued thereafter to be used for Sunday evening services and other churches’ meetings until the Dubai Municipality ordered the villa’s closure in June 2006.
The Ruler of Dubai in 1998 granted a piece of land to United Christian Church of Dubai (UCCD) and Arabic Evangelical Church of Dubai (AECD). In September, 2003, the Friday services commenced at the new Dubai Evangelical Church Centre3 in Maranatha Hall at the Churches Complex in Jebel Ali Village.
In 2010, UCCD sent out a number of members and staff to establish a sister church, Redeemer Church of Dubai, on the opposite side of Dubai. UCCD continued to support Redeemer Church of Dubai financially until 2012, by which time it had grown into a self-supporting church.
Generally Muslim nations are less tolerant towards other religions and licences to hold Christian worship or build churches are restricted. But Dubai, and for that matter UAE, are tolerant of other religions.
Generally Muslim nations are less tolerant towards other religions. But Dubai, and for that matter UAE, are tolerant of other religions.
Christ Church Jebel Ali Marriage Services
For Christians, church is the place to get married. The church provides this service along with baptism of babies.
Christ Church Jebel Ali congregations
There are 30 congregations, worshiping in 16 languages in this church building. Christians in Dubai are almost all expatriate workers, mostly Catholics from the Philippines and India.
Given the land and financial constraints, the Jebel Ali church is used by 30 different congregations. Whereas in their country they would have 30 different churches for each of the denominations. Services are conducted in many languages.
Other Churches
The Chaplaincy of Dubai with Sharjah and the Northern Emirates consists of five churches in the United Arab Emirates: Holy Trinity Church, Dubai Christ Church, Jebel Ali – consecrated March 2002 St Martin’s Church, Sharjah St Luke’s Church, Ras Al Khaimah St Nicholas’ Church, Fujairah The emirate of Abu Dhabi is a separate chaplaincy with two churches: St Andrew’s Church in Abu Dhabi St Thomas’ Church in Al Ain
Congregations worshiping in Christ Church Jebel Ali
The following congregations worship in Christ Church Jebel Ali
Christ Church Jebel Ali
Anglican
Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church
New Apostolic Church
Kings Revival Church
RCCG Grace Assembly Parish
The Gatekeepers
Light of Life Ministries
Gateway
Seventh Day Adventist
Shona – The African Apostolic Church
TWI – Victory Bible Church
Christ Church Jebel Ali
Here are some of the services offered in other languages. Afrikaans – First Dubai Afrikaans Church Cebuano – Adonai Christian Fellowship International Church Chinese – Chinese Gospel Church German – German Evangelical Church Hindi / English – Christian Church Bethesda Brother Manuel Ministries Church of North India, Jebel AliKorean – Dubai Korean Full Gospel Church Dubai Sarang Church Malayalam – CSI Malayalam Church of God Prarthana Sangamam New Testament Church Saint Gregorios Orthodox Church Satwa Pentecostal church Sharon Fellowship Church The Brethren Assembly
Nepali – Dubai Nepali Christian Fellowship Victory Christian Fellowship (Nepali) Punjabi – Gospel of Grace Ministries International Portuguese – Insejec International Brazilian Fellowship Sinhala – Kings Revival Church Gethsemane Gospel Church Spanish – Iglesia De Dios Tamil – CSI (Tamil) Kings Revival Church The Goodness of the Lord Church Tagalog – Jesus is Lord Church English / Tagalog – Word International Ministries Telugu – Gospel of Grace Ministries International Reidlands Bible College Urdu – Church of Pakistan
Kalba is a city in the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. It is an exclave of Sharjah lying on the Gulf of Oman coast north of Oman. Khor Kalba (Kalba Creek), an important nature reserve and mangrove swamp, is located south of the town by the Omani border.
Kalba Mangrove reserve
Kalba Mangrove reserve is open to the public and was developed as an eco-tourism resort by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority. Some conservationists think that the tourism development could endanger the last remaining natural mangrove forest which is home to some species of birds, marine animals and reptiles. These fauna here have no other home in the Emirates.
Kalba Fort
Kalba development
Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and member of the Supreme Council, announced in July 2020 the proposed development in Kalba. These include the restoration of historical sites, the development of the corniche, the renovation of public spaces, the construction of new buildings, and others.
Kalba Beach Corniche
Kalba Beach Corniche project was launched in April 2021 to improve rainwater drainage, the construction of a running track, the establishment of public seating areas and the planting of trees. The park also has an open playground for children and access to a beach, but this is not ideal for swimming. The neat and well-maintained park also provides public restrooms and easily available parking spaces. Nearby, one can find accessible grocery shops, cafeterias and restaurants.
Kalba ecotourism
Kalba is the most popular destination for ecotourism in the Emirate of Sharjah, with opportunities to go wildlife spotting while trekking, kayaking, as well as scuba diving. Tourists also go there to see the Arabian oryx, the national animal of the UAE. Picnic is a popular activity in Kalba.
Kalba Birds of Prey Centre
This center has live demonstrations displaying various raptors and highlighting their historical significance to the tourists. The outdoor shows take place twice a day while the aviaries containing owls, buzzards, eagles, falcons and vultures can be seen any time during the day. The center remains open for 6 days a week with Monday being a holiday.
Kalba museum
There are several historical sites to visit in Kalba, including the Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamed Al Qassimi museum, a restored fort and a sleepy seaside promenade. The museum was built in 1901 and used to serve as a royal residence, making it one of the most prominent places to visit in the country.
Kalba Kayak
Kalba camping
Camping is popular in Sharjah, especially as part of desert safari tours. With several idyllic places to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts often do a bit of trekking to find the perfect spot. For sandy terrain, there are camping spots like Fossil Rock, Mleiha and Al Dhaid. For those who love the mountains, the foothills of Hajjar near Khorfakkan offers an unparalleled view. Some locals, however, prefer to camp near a Sharjah beach for a cool breeze over the sound of waves. This is especially recommended if you’re trying to make the best of Sharjah weather.
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is developing the city at a faster scale for encouraging more tourists to visit the area.
Kalba Kingfisher Lodge
Kalba Kingfisher Lodge is the only hotel that exists within the boundaries of Kalba. It is a 5-star tented camp that ranks as one of the best hotels in Sharjah. Also known as Mysk Kingfisher Retreat, the resort offers from 1-bed to 3-bed tents along with facilities such as a garden, private beach area, a restaurant and other hotel amenities. You can find more hotels near Kalba in Fujairah City, such as: Royal M Hotel Fujairah Mall , Al Bahar Hotel & Resort , and Nour Arjaan by Rotana.
Taxis and buses are the only public transport available in this area. Some buses provide intercity travel.
