St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Al Ain functions as a vibrant faith center that welcomes all people to worship and participate in community activities in an inclusive atmosphere. Since its establishment in 1969 the historic St. Mary’s Catholic Church maintains diverse services including multiple linguistic Masses along with active ministries and sacramental offerings.
The spiritual growth and fellowship opportunities at St. Mary’s are available to both residents and visitors of the church.
Mass Timings at St. Mary’s Al Ain (2025)
Sunday Masses
- 7:00 AM – English
- 9:00 AM – English
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Children’s Catechism
- 10:15 AM – Children’s Mass
- 6:00 PM – English
- 7:30 PM – English
- 6:30 PM (4th Sunday) – African Community Mass
Weekday Masses (Monday – Friday)
- 6:15 AM – English
- 7:00 PM – English
Friday Additional Masses
- 8:00 PM – Malayalam
Saturday Masses
- 6:15 AM – English
- 12:00 PM (1st Saturday) – Konkani
- 2:00 PM (2nd Saturday) – Urdu
- 12:00 PM (3rd Saturday) – Sinhala
- 12:00 PM (4th Saturday) – Tamil
- 4:30 PM – Filipino (Tagalog)
- 5:45 PM – Arabic Children’s Mass
- 7:00 PM – English (Sunday Obligatory Mass)
- 8:00 PM (1st & 3rd Saturday) – Malankara
- 8:30 PM – Arabic
A Brief History of St. Mary’s Church
Al Ain residents hold St. Mary’s Catholic Church as an important historical institution. The late UAE President H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan donated the land for the church to the public in 1969. Under the leadership of Fr. Barnabas, OFM Cap built the first structure and regular masses took place in this simple facility.
Multiple expansions took place throughout the years at the church:
- 1981: Renovated under Fr. Attilio, OFM Cap
- 1987 & 1992: Further modifications to accommodate growing parishioners
- 2008-2009: A new church building was constructed under Fr. Antony Puthenpurackal, blessed by Bishop Paul Hinder, OFM Cap, and inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- 2010: A presbytery was added
- 2013: A parish hall was built above the church
Priests Who Have Served at St. Mary’s
- Fr. Barnabas, OFM Cap (1969–1981)
- Fr. Attilio, OFM Cap (1981–1983)
- Fr. Daniel Cerofolini, OFM Cap (1983–1986)
- Fr. Antonino Fortuna, OFM Cap (1986–1990)
- Fr. Francis Jamieson (1990–1993)
- Fr. Mathew Fernandes (1993–2007)
- Fr. Antony Puthenpurackal, OFM Cap (2007–2014)
- Fr. Augustine Fernandes, OFM Cap (2010–2015, Assistant Parish Priest)
- Fr. Stalin Varghese, OFM Cap (2015–, Parish Priest)
- Fr. Ernesto Ablaza, MSP (2015–, Assistant Parish Priest)
Sacraments and Ministries
St. Mary’s offers all Catholic sacraments, including:
- Baptism (Children & Adults)
- Holy Communion
- Confession & Reconciliation
- Confirmation
- Marriage
- Holy Orders
- Anointing of the Sick
Active Ministries
- Family Ministry
- Altar Servers
- Eucharist Ministry
- Jesus Youth
- Nurses Ministry
- Lectors Ministry
How to Reach St. Mary’s Church
Location: Khaled Bin Sultan Street, Al Ain
By Car
- Use Waze or Google Maps for driving directions.
- The church is centrally located with easy access from major roads.
By Taxi
- Taxis can drop you directly at the church entrance.
- You can also arrange for a pickup after Mass or church activities.
By Bus
- Nearest Bus Stations:
- Al Ain St 118 / Etisalat
- Sultan Ibn Zayed Al Awwal St 143 / Specialised Medical Care Hospital
- Bus Lines: 940 & 980 (stop nearby)
- From the bus stations, the church is within walking distance.
By Foot
If you’re near the Etisalat or Specialised Medical Care Hospital bus stops, you can easily walk to the church.
Contact Information
- Phone: +971-3-721-4417
- Email: alainchurch@gmail.com
- Church Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM
- Parish Office Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
The religious community at St. Mary’s Catholic Church welcomes every background because it serves as a vibrant spiritual center for faith-based connections. You will discover welcoming hospitality during Mass or ministry involvement or sacramental services at this religious community. St. Mary’s Catholic Church invites you to experience its active community through your visit today.
