The discovery of oil in the Middle East and the rapid development of trade and industry became a magnet for people from across the world. Among them were the Malankarites, who began arriving in the United Arab Emirates from the late 1960s. While individual families can be traced back to this early period, it was in the 1970s that larger numbers began to settle.

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The United Arab Emirates itself was founded in 1971 as a federation of seven emirates. Within this federation, the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church eventually grew into eight vibrant communities: Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Fujairah, Jebel Ali, Mussaffah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah.

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The Early Years

From the very beginning, our faithful showed a strong desire to preserve their Malankara ecclesial identity, even while facing challenges, restrictions, and hardships. In the early years, they attended the local Latin Catholic parishes and enrolled their children in catechism classes there. Yet, true to their heritage, they longed to practice their faith according to the Antiochene tradition of the Malankara Church and made use of every opportunity available to express this identity.

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A significant moment came in 1988 with the visit of Rev. Dr. Abraham Kakkanatt, Bishop Emeritus of Muvattupuzha. His presence gave great encouragement and inspired the faithful to begin organizing communities and prayer groups. Occasional visits by priests passing through the region also strengthened and sustained the people in their faith.

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A Turning Point

The year 1998 marked a true milestone. The visit of Cor-Episcopo Geevarghese Mannikkarott became the turning point in the growth of the Malankara Church in the UAE. Traveling across the Emirates, he organized the faithful into structured communities, guided them in prayer, and provided direction to preserve the venerable traditions and liturgical heritage of the Church. His mission laid the foundation for establishing regular ecclesiastical services in the UAE.

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Organizing the Communities

In 2001, Fr. Chacko Mannisseril, OFM Cap., based in Oman, was entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the Malankara faithful in the UAE. He visited every three months until a permanent arrangement could be made. In 2003, Fr. Jerome Peedikaparambil, OIC, stationed in Doha, was appointed as the first official Chaplain. His ministry, though brief (2003–2004), sparked a spiritual revival, leading to the formation of pious organizations.

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He was succeeded in 2004 by Fr. Mathai Iranathara, OIC, also from Doha. Under his youthful and dynamic leadership, the Central Committee (now known as the Malankara Catholic Council) was formed in November 2004 to coordinate activities across all the communities.

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As the communities expanded, the need for a resident chaplain became clear. In December 2005, Fr. Peter Kadamancod, OIC (Bethany Ashram), became the first resident priest, based in Jebel Ali–Dubai, with additional responsibility for Oman and Bahrain. He was succeeded in June 2011 by Fr. Mathew Kandathil (Diocese of Sulthan Bathery), who served until March 2021.

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In 2015, Fr. Philip Payyampallil (Archdiocese of Thiruvalla) joined to care for the Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, and Mussaffah communities. After his return to Kerala in 2018, Fr. Abraham Thyparambil (Archdiocese of Thiruvalla) took over, serving until 2021.

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From 2021, two priests arrived: Rev. Dr. Reji Varughese Manackalettu (Archdiocese of Thiruvalla), who coordinated the UAE communities until August 2024, and Fr. Mathews Alumoottil (Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum), who served until May 2024. Their successors were Rt. Rev. John Thundiyath Cor-Episcopo (Diocese of Pathanamthitta), who arrived in August 2024 as Coordinator, and Fr. Johnson Puthuparambil (Major Archdiocese of Trivandrum), who began his ministry in May 2024.

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Growth and Organization

The steady growth of our communities has been built upon the tireless faith and commitment of the laity. Guided by the patronage of His Beatitude Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos, the Holy Synod, and successive priests-in-charge, the UAE Malankara Church has blossomed into a fully organized body.

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The Malankara Prathinidhi Sammelanam (formerly Malankara Sangamam) was inaugurated in 2007 by the Catholicos to foster unity and communion among the communities. By 2024, fourteen gatherings have been held, and thirteen Metropolitans of our Church have graced the UAE with their visits.

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Today, the eight communities number more than 5,000 faithful. The Malankara Catholic Council serves as the apex coordinating body, uniting representatives from all communities and pious organizations. Under its leadership, the Church in the UAE has grown not only spiritually but also socially and pastorally.

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Apostolate and Initiatives

The pious organizations of our Church—MCCL, MCYM, MCMF, and MCTF—play a vital role in nurturing faith, youth, families, and education. In 2021, a by-law was issued by His Beatitude to streamline Church administration across the Emirates.

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Charity remains a cornerstone of our mission: housing projects, marriage and education assistance, and other outreach programs have been launched by the communities. A memorable Holy Land pilgrimage was organized in 2023. To recognize academic excellence, the Benedict Mar Gregorios Educational Excellence Award was established in 2023 to honor Grade 10 and 12 students achieving 90% and above.

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Liturgical and Ecclesial Life

Liturgically, the communities are vibrant. Around 20 Holy Qurbonos are celebrated each month, alongside prayer gatherings in 36 prayer groups across the Emirates. Annual Days are celebrated in every community with joy and devotion.

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The UAE has also contributed significantly to wider Malankara Church initiatives, hosting the Polima 2014 gathering in Trivandrum, the second Gulf Meet in Ras Al Khaimah in 2017 (attended by all the bishops of the Church), and the first Sukurtham in Sharjah in 2022 on the occasion of the Reunion anniversary.

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Conclusion

From humble beginnings in the desert sands to a flourishing ecclesial presence today, the journey of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church in the UAE has been a remarkable testimony of faith. As St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Cor 3:6). Truly, God has given the growth to our Malankara Church in the Emirates.