Tickets for the Papal Mass in Abu Dhabi will now be distributed as thousands of parishoners each received a text message confirming their attendance to the big event.
All those who received the SMS are advised to bring their Emirates ID at the ticket distribution counter to claim one entry ticket and one transport ticket. The faithful are also urged to select their access hub before coming to the church. Those who opt to walk towards the venue will also be allowed.
According to the UAE Papal Mass website, there are a total of 28,891 tickets to be released as per the transportation arrangements intended for parishoners of St. Joseph’s Catehdral in Abu Dhabi which will have two access hubs: Nation Towers and Delma Street.
Nation Towers will be serving 14,446 individuals for 75 buses with the first trip at 1:00 am and the last trip taking place by 5:00 am.
Meantime, the Delma Street hub will be serving 14,445 people with over 75 buses. The first trip for this hub will take place by 1:15 am with the last trip leaving the area by 5:15 am.
There’s also a Park and Ride Facility available in Yas Island that will cater to less than 25,000 people from all Emirates, particularly those who plan to bring their private vehicles as there will be 10,000 parking slots available. The Nation Towers and the Delma Access Hubs do not have any parking available. The Yas Island Access Hub will see over 220 buses bringing around 25,000 individuals to the venue.
Schedule of ticket release is as follows:
Wednesday, January 30 – 7 pm to 10 pm
Thursday, January 31 – 7 pm to 10 pm
Friday, February 1 – 7 am to 5 pm & 8 pm to 10 pm
Saturday, February 2 – 7 am to 10 pm
In Dubai, tickets have already been released with thousands of Filipinos and other expats who registered forming long lines to get their tickets. Volunteers at St. Mary’s Parish have politely asked parishoners to remain calm as the parish releases the tickets for Pope Francis’ historic visit.
Here are the access hubs for Dubai and the other emirates:
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
