About the United Arab Emirates:
The United Arab Emirates (commonly called the U.A.E.) is a federation of seven Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah) located in Western Asia on the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Persian Gulf, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
The U.A.E. transformed rapidly since its formation in 1971 (when it gained independence from Great Britain), evolving from a pearl-diving and trading region into a global hub for luxury tourism, skyscrapers, and innovation. The U.A.E. is famous for its futuristic architecture and desert landscapes.
The economy, although centered on energy, due to major oil/gas reserves (7th largest globally), has also seen strong growth in tourism, finance, tech, and trade.
The largest city in Dubai (which is itself is both a city and an emirate in the U.A.E.) is Dubai City, and serves as the capital of the Dubai Emirate, with the highest population in the U.A.E. due to its status as a global business, tourism, and trade hub, home to iconic landmarks like the Burj.
The economic outlook for the U.A.E. remains strong despite global uncertainties, with emphasis on non-oil sectors such as space exploration (planned asteroid mission) and diversification (e.g., AI, manufacturing investments).
Out of a total population of approximately 11.3–11.5 million, only about 11–12% are Emirati nationals; the rest are foreign nationals. The official language is Arabic (although English is widely used) and the official religion is Islam.
Catholic Places of interest in the United Arab Emirates:
According to Pew Research, some 10% of the population in the U.A.E. is Catholic. Most Catholics in the United Arab Emirates are foreign workers, notably from heavily Catholic countries such as the Philippines. Although a Muslim-dominated country, the government has a policy of tolerance toward other religions.
The Catholic churches in the United Arab Emirates fall under the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, which includes United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen. Of these three, the U.A.E. is the most stable at this time in history. And, it is in the U.A.E., that Catholics are free to worship without fear of discrimination or persecution.
Due to the many foreign workers who work in this oil-rich country, many of the Catholic churches offer Masses in their native languages as well as Arabic and English.
The main Catholic churches in the United Arab Emirates are:
Abu Dhabi: Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church
Dubai (Al Ain): Several Catholic churches in this capital city.
Traveling to the U.A.E. (United Arab Emirates):
There are several cruise lines that make port calls in the U.A.E.especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with seasonal itineraries (winter/spring) and world cruise stops, featuring lines like MSC, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Oceania, Holland America, Cunard, and luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, offering options from short regional trips to longer voyages
Most international travelers to the U.A.E. arrive by air by several major airlines. For those traveling from the U.S. the national airline of the U.A.E., Emirates Air, flies from 10+ major U.S. cities, including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), Miami (MIA), Boston (BOS), Orlando (MCO), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Washington, D.C. (IAD), connecting to Dubai (DXB) and other global destinations,
Note to U.S. citizens: A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry is required to enter the UAE. The UAE government does not accept 12-page emergency passports for entry to the UAE.
The UAE government accepts only passports with Male or Female sex marker for travel to, in, or through the UAE. Travelers without Male or Female in their passports will be denied boarding or entry.
For other countries, be sure to contact your embassy or consulate for passport information.