Church Compounds Get Extra Security Before Easter

The weekend before Easter we were on our way to church and when we got to the two access roads that led to church there was a big traffic jam. Traffic jams are normal in Dubai but not on the way into church on Friday morning. Both roads had been blocked by police cars and they were telling people that they couldn't drive in a park.

There was a great deal of confusion and many people turned around and went home thinking that the police were completely blocking the roads. Instead it turns out they were setting up additional security that lasted through the week and through the Easter weekend as well. Thousands attend church in our compound where there are approximately 8 church buildings used by probably 16 different churches.

That morning we parked out car and caught a city bus to the church compound. They provided the buses in the end and they also set up frisk points leading into the building. I heard that they had metal detectors at another church compound in Dubai as well.

Later in the week the news reports came out. The authorities claimed there had been no explicit threats of violence made. I have my doubts. But regardless, I'm grateful for the additional security despite the slight inconvenience. Much thanks to the Dubai Police Department!

Here are some pictures of the makeshift parking lots about 400 yards from the church compound on Easter weekend. The compound is on the other side of the pictured buildings.