Over 400 young people confirmed across the Emirates this Easter season
Parishes across the UAE celebrated Confirmation in May, with liturgies in five languages.
Read moreWelcome to the website of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia
The Catholic Church in UAE, Oman & Yemen
Quick access
How can we help you?
Our Offices
The offices of the Vicariate and what you can contact them for.
DirectoryOur Parishes
Find a parish across the UAE, Oman and Yemen.
ParishesVocation
Discerning a call to priesthood or religious life.
Learn morePilgrim Center
Information and services for pilgrims visiting the region.
Learn moreFranciscan Year
Celebrating the Franciscan charism across Southern Arabia.
Learn more
The Shepherd of our Church
I invite you to discover the life of the Gospel in every nation and tongue, united on this one pilgrim journey.
Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap.
Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia
Read the pastoral letters
From the Vicariate
Vicariate News
Ruwi parish marks 50 years of Catholic presence in Muscat
Sts. Peter & Paul opened its golden jubilee with a solemn Mass and a history exhibition.
Read more
Diocesan charity drive delivers aid to families in Yemen
Faithful from all thirteen parishes contributed to the annual relief collection.
Read more
Bishop Paolo ordains three new deacons for the Vicariate
The ordination was celebrated at St. Joseph's Cathedral before a packed congregation.
Read more
Diary of the Vicariate
Upcoming Events
14
June
Corpus Christi Procession
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Abu Dhabi
After the 9:00 AM Mass
21
June
Marriage Preparation Course
St. Mary's Church, Dubai · 4:00–8:00 PM
English
05
July
First Communion Orientation
Sts. Peter & Paul, Ruwi · 5:30 PM
For parents
12
September
Diocesan Youth Day 2026
Abu Dhabi
Registration opens 1 August
All events
The Universal Church
From the Holy See
Daily Bulletin
Video Message of the Holy Father for the “Ankawa Youth Meeting” (Iraq, 8 July 2026)
“Dear young friends, it is a pleasure for me to greet all of you taking part in the Ankawa Youth Meeting in the Archeparchy of Erbil. You have come from different parts of Iraq to gather…”
Read moreThe Pope Video
For Christians in areas of conflict
The Pope Video · Prayer intention, December 2025
Vatican News
Pakistani Archbishop renews the Church's appeal to protect children from abuse
Archbishop Joseph Arshad, of the Diocese of Islamabad–Rawalpindi, reflects on the Church in Pakistan's commitment to protecting children from abuse and exploitation…
Read more
Keep in touch
Stay connected with the Vicariate
Follow our official WhatsApp Channel for news, the Bishop's messages and upcoming events.
Follow our WhatsApp ChannelChannel link to be added once the AVOSA WhatsApp Channel is created.