The Vatican has just released the official schedule of Pope Francis’ historic visit to the United Arab Emirates in February 2019.
Pope Francis will arrive on Sunday, February 3, and he will be greeted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces, along with key UAE dignitaries at the Abu Dhabi Presidential airport.
He will visit the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on the second day of his three-day visit, to hold a private meeting with the Muslim Council of Elders.
More than a hundred thousand people are expected to attend the Papal Mass which will take place on Tuesday February 5 at Zayed Sports City, and the Church is working with the Government to plan for the event.
Pope Francis UAE Visit – Official Schedule
Sunday, February 3
Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm – Departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm – Arrival at the Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Official welcome
Monday, February 4
Abu Dhabi
12pm – Welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12:20pm – Official visit to the Crown Prince in the Presidential Palace
5pm – Private meeting with the members of The Muslim Council of Elders in the Grand Mosque of Sheik Zayed.
6:10pm – Interreligious meeting in the Founder’s Memorial
Discourse of the Holy Father
Tuesday, February 5
Abu Dhabi to Rome
9:15am – Visit in Private to the Cathedral
10:30am – Santa Messa in Zayed Sports City – Homily of the Holy Father
12:40pm – Farewell ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm – Departure by plane to Rome
5pm – Arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
