United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven emirates in the Middle East, located on the Persian Gulf, covering approximately 83,600 km² with a population of about 9.5 million as of 2024.[1] Known for its oil wealth, tourism, and financial hubs, the UAE’s economy thrives with Arabic as the official language. The Catholic Church, with approximately 950,000 adherents (10% of the population, mostly expatriates), plays a notable role, introduced in the 20th century by missionaries. Catholicism influences expatriate communities through devotion to Our Lady of Arabia, the region’s patroness, and festivals like Christmas.[2]
The UAE’s arid climate and cosmopolitan culture, blending Arab and expatriate influences, support a vibrant Catholic presence, evident in churches like St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi. The Church operates schools and charities, maintaining influence among expatriates despite Islam’s dominance. Rooted in its modern history as a federation since 1971, Catholicism serves a diverse foreign workforce, navigating legal restrictions in a Muslim-majority state.[3] Stored: United Arab Emirates
| Country: United Arab Emirates | |
| Historic: | No |
| Existence: | – |
| Continent: | Asia |
| Region: | Middle East |
| Historical Region: | |
| Area: | 83600 km² |
| Population: | 9500000 |
| Catholic Population: | 950000 |
| Catholic Percentage: | 10% |
| Catholicism Status: | Minority religion |
| Official Languages: | Arabic |
| Capital: | Abu Dhabi |
| Catholicism Introduced: | 20th century |
| Ecclesiastical Provinces: | 0 |
| Dioceses: | 1 |
| Patron Saints: | Our Lady of Arabia |
| Predecessor States: | |
| Successor States: | |
Geography
The UAE is bordered by Oman to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and the Persian Gulf to the north, covering 83,600 km².[1] Its arid climate and desert terrain support oil production and urban development, with coastal cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah hosting Catholic expatriate communities. Churches like St. Joseph’s Cathedral serve as worship hubs. The UAE’s urban geography facilitates Catholic gatherings, particularly in expatriate enclaves.[2]
History
The UAE’s history includes ancient trade routes, British influence in the 19th century, and federation in 1971.[4] Catholicism was introduced in the early 20th century by Capuchin missionaries, serving expatriate workers in the oil industry. The Church grew with the UAE’s economic boom, attracting Catholics from Asia and the Middle East. The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, based in Abu Dhabi since 2011, oversees the UAE’s Catholic community.[2]
Demographics
The UAE’s population of approximately 9.5 million includes 1.2 million citizens and 8.3 million expatriates, primarily South Asians, Filipinos, and Arabs.[1] Catholics, mostly expatriates, number about 950,000 (10%), a minority amid Sunni Islam (85%) and Shia Islam (10%). Urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi host Catholic communities, while rural areas have minimal presence. Islam’s dominance and legal restrictions challenge Catholic practice.[5][2]
Catholic church
The Catholic Church in the UAE operates under the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, based in Abu Dhabi, overseeing about 20 parishes across the UAE.[2] The Church runs schools, like St. Mary’s Catholic School, and charities like Caritas Arabia, serving expatriates and refugees. Bishops, including Paolo Martinelli, promote Catholic Social Teaching in community outreach.[6]
Structure
The Church is under the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (Abu Dhabi), covering the UAE, Oman, and Yemen, with no separate dioceses in the UAE. Parishes align with the UAE’s emirates, serving expatriate Catholics. The Conference of Latin Bishops of the Arabic Regions coordinates regional efforts.[2]
Introduction of Catholicism
Catholicism was introduced in the early 20th century by Capuchin missionaries, serving European and Asian workers in the growing oil sector.[3] The Church expanded with the UAE’s economic boom, particularly among Filipino and Indian expatriates, establishing parishes like St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Legal restrictions limit public practice, but tolerance has increased.[3]
Key historical events
Key milestones include the establishment of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia in 1888, restructured in 2011 to be based in Abu Dhabi.[2] The Church grew with the UAE’s 1971 federation, supporting expatriate communities. The 2019 visit by Pope Francis, the first papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula, marked a milestone in interfaith dialogue, highlighted by the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi.[7]
Catholicism status
Catholicism, with 10% of the population, is a minority religion, tolerated but restricted in a Muslim-majority state.[5] The Church serves expatriates through private worship, education, and charity, navigating Islamic laws. Its role among foreign workers sustains cultural influence.[2][6]
Administrative subdivisions
The UAE is divided into seven emirates, which serve as first-level administrative subdivisions.[1] These are: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. Abu Dhabi serves as the administrative and Catholic hub.[1]
Cultural influence
Festivals and traditions
Catholics celebrate Our Lady of Arabia on her feast day with masses, alongside Christmas and Easter in expatriate communities, often in church compounds.[3] These traditions strengthen community bonds.
Education and charity
The Church operates schools like St. Mary’s Catholic School and supports Caritas Arabia, aiding migrant workers and refugees, aligned with Catholic Social Teaching.[6]
Art and architecture
Catholic heritage is evident in St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a modern structure in Abu Dhabi, and St. Francis of Assisi Church in Dubai, with minimal religious art due to restrictions.[3]
Notable Catholic sites
Pilgrimage sites
St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi and St. Mary’s Church in Dubai are key worship sites for expatriates, hosting private pilgrimages.[2]
Historical churches
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, built in 1965, and St. Francis of Assisi Church, established in 2001, are significant for expatriate worship.[3]
Saints and blesseds
Patron saints
Our Lady of Arabia is the region’s patroness, venerated by expatriate Catholics.[2]
Associated saints and blesseds
No canonized saints are directly tied to the UAE, but figures like Blessed Thomas Kurialacherry, an Indian missionary linked to regional Catholicism, are venerated, beatified in 1986.[8]
Challenges to Catholicism
The Church faces Islamic laws restricting public worship, expatriate transience, and secularization. It responds with discreet evangelization and interfaith dialogue.[5]
Social and political influence
The Catholic Church supports expatriate welfare through Caritas Arabia, aiding migrant workers and promoting interfaith harmony, aligned with Catholic Social Teaching. Its influence is limited but growing.[6]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "United Arab Emirates". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-arab-emirates/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 "Catholic Dioceses in United Arab Emirates". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/AE.htm.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Religion in United Arab Emirates". Catholics & Cultures. 2024-09-20. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/united-arab-emirates.
- ↑ "United Arab Emirates". Encyclopedia.com. 2024-11-15. https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/asia/united-arab-emirates-political-geography/united-arab-emirates.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Religion in United Arab Emirates". Pew Research Center. 2024-07-10. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/united-arab-emirates.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "United Arab Emirates’ Catholic Heritage". Catholic News Agency. 2024-10-10. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/united-arab-emirates-catholic-church.
- ↑ "United Arab Emirates’ Catholic History". Vatican News. 2024-08-15. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/united-arab-emirates.html.
- ↑ "Saints of the Gulf Region". Vatican News. 2024-06-15. https://www.vatican.va/saints/gulf.
External links
- "United Arab Emirates". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-arab-emirates/.
- "Catholic Dioceses in United Arab Emirates". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/AE.htm.
- "Religion in United Arab Emirates". Catholics & Cultures. 2024-09-20. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/united-arab-emirates.