St. Antony Coptic Orthodox Church, Abu Dhabi

Saint Antony Coptic Orthodox Church, situated in Abu Dhabi's Al Mushrif area, opposite Mushrif Garden, is a symbol of religious tolerance and unity in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Also known as the Egyptian Orthodox Coptic Church, it is a cherished spiritual center for the Coptic community in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the UAE's commitment to embracing various religious beliefs. This is especially noteworthy considering the challenges faced by Christians and other minorities in parts of the Middle East.

Established officially in 1984, the church's congregation, the oldest in the UAE, saw a significant development in 2007 with the opening of a new cathedral spanning 3,334 square meters. This expansion was necessary to accommodate the growing number of worshippers, which currently ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 individuals attending regular mass services. The community is predominantly Egyptian, with a notable presence of Sudanese members, highlighting the Coptic Church's prominence as the largest Christian denomination in the region.

The Coptic Orthodox Church, founded by Saint Mark around 68 years after Jesus' birth, maintains rich traditions such as celebrating Christmas on January 7, following the practices of most Orthodox churches, and observing a 43-day Lent period preceding the holiday.

Worship at Saint Antony's is steeped in the Coptic Church's distinctive musical heritage, featuring over 3,000 hymns with specific melodies designated for various festivals, including Christmas. Services are primarily conducted in a blend of Arabic and Coptic languages, with plans underway to introduce English services to meet the diverse linguistic needs of the congregation.