Transport plans set out for Abu Dhabi's public Mass

Ticket-holders should prepare to walk 3km to venue and spend five hours in stadium once there, organisers say

MYTILENE, GREECE - APRIL 16: In this handout image provided by Greek Prime Minister's Office, Pope Francis meets migrants at the Moria detention centre on April 16, 2016 in Mytilene, Lesbos, Greece. PShow more

Travel restrictions are to be put in place on the day of Pope Francis' public Mass on Tuesday February 5, organisers said on Wednesday.

More than 100,000 ticket-holders will attend the ceremony and many will be bussed in from outside the city.

Those coming from outside the city by car will need to park on Yas Island and board buses to Zayed Sports City Stadium.

People attending have also been warned that they should prepare to walk 3km to the venue and then spend five hours inside the stadium.

Arrangements will be in place for those who need special assistance, such as those with disabilities, the elderly or pregnant women, although assistance will only be provided for a “very limited” number of attendees.

Church officials initially said that no private cars from outside the city would be allowed on Abu Dhabi island that day, but organisers later clarified that was not the case and that the bridges would remain open to cars.

Hundreds of free buses will be provided by the Abu Dhabi government for those attending the Mass, as authorities prepare for a major security and logistical operation.

Those with a ticket, which are being allocated to members of the Church by local parishes, will be instructed to travel to "access hubs" across the UAE. They will then be taken by bus to the stadium.

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Those wishing to take their own cars to Abu Dhabi will have to go to Yas Island, where they can park and travel on shuttle buses.

Everyone above two years of age will need a ticket, due to security restrictions. Food will be allowed on buses, and provided following the Mass. However, people will be unable to bring food into the venue.

The Pope will deliver his Holy Mass at 10.30am. Selfie sticks, banners, flags and umbrellas have been banned from Zayed Sports City Stadium. Folding chairs or stools are only permitted outside.

Around 120,000 tickets will be issued for the Mass, with space allocated both inside and around the stadium.

Catholics who do not get a ticket will be able to watch proceedings on live broadcasts at churches.