Preparations for the historic Papal Mass have been finalized as over 135,000 individuals and families are expected to gather across 13 hubs that will see over 2,000 buses transporting them to and from the venue.
The UAE Papal Visit team wishes to remind the attendees of the prohibited items that will be confiscated at the security checkpoint if brought on the venue:
No lighters, matches or any other smoking and lighting equipment.
Weapons, sharp objects or anything that could be used as a weapon or to cut, thrust, or stab, or as a projectile, in particular long umbrellas and other unwieldy implements.
Gas spray cans, corrosive, flammable substances, dyes, or receptacles containing substances which are harmful to health or are highly flammable.
Bottles, cups, jugs, or cans of any kind as well as other objects made from plastic, glass or any other fragile, non-shatter proof or especially tough material or Tetra Pak packaging, hard cooler boxes.
Tissue rolls, confetti, balloons of any sort and size, as well as large quantities of paper and/or rolls of paper will not be allowed.
Fireworks, flares, smoke powder, smoke canisters, smoke bombs, or other pyrotechnics will not be allowed.
Mechanically and manually operated instruments which produce an excessive volume of noise such as megaphones, vuvuzelas, hooters, gas-powered horns, or drums.
Alcoholic beverages of any kind, narcotics, or stimulants.
Racist, xenophobic cause, charity, or ideological concern related materials, including but not limited to banners, signs, symobls, and leaflets, objects or clothing, which could impair the enjoyment of the event by other spectators.
Cameras will only be permitted for private use and then only with one set of replacement or rechargeable batteries. Cameras intended for professional use, including video cameras or other sound or video recording equipment will not be allowed.
Computers or other devices used for the purposes of transmitting or disseminating sound, pictures, descriptions or results of the events via the internet or other forms of media.
Any promotional or commercial, materials, including but not limited to banners, signs, symbols and leaflets, or any kind of promotional or commercial objects, material and clothing.
The Papal Visit team has advised that there will be food concessionaires within the site that will sell food until 8:00 am
Unwieldy objects such as ladders, stools, boxes, paperboard containers, large backs, rucksacks, suitcases, sports bags and chairs (except for folding chairs size 60cm x 40cm). “Unwieldy” is given to mean all objects which are larger than 25cm x 25cm x 25cm and which cannot be stowed under the seat in the Stadium
Small flags and banners that do not excel 1.5mm x 2m are permitted provided that they are made from material which is deemed “of low flammability”. No flagpoles.
The UAE Papal Visit team further advises the masses that another other objects which would compromise and/or harm the reputation of the event as assessed at the sole discretion of the Local authorities.
The Papal Visit marks 1st visit of a Pope to the MENA region. Themed ‘Make Me a Channel of Your Peace’, the visit is a positive response of the pontiff and the Vatican to the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the UAE.
In line with the UAE’s ‘Year of Tolerance’ the visit is part of the celebrations of the ‘International Interfaith Meeting on Human Fraternity’.
Pope Francis’ full itinerary in the UAE:
Sunday, February 3
1:00 PM – Departure by plane from Rome/Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10:00 PM – Arrival at the Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Official Welcome
Monday, February 4
12:00 PM – Welcome Ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi
12:20 PM – Official Visit to the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince in the Presidential Palace
5:00 PM – Private meeting with the members of the Muslim Council of Elders at Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6:10 PM – Inter-religious Meeting at the Founder’s Memorial
Discourse of the Holy Father
Tuesday, February 5
9:15 AM – Visit in private to the Cathedral
10:30 AM – Santa Messa in Zayed Sports City — Homily of the Holy Father
12:40 PM – Farewell Ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1:00 PM – Departure by plane to Rome
5:00 PM – Arrival at the Rome/Ciampino International Airport
