In 2023, there are about 350,000 Catholics in Qatar (including 9 priests),[1][2] most of whom are expatriate workers from the Philippines, Europe and India.[3]
Our Lady of the Rosary, the first Catholic church in Qatar, and also the first in an Arab Muslim emirate, was dedicated in the capital, Doha, on March 14, 2008.[4] The church cost $15 million to build and received contributions from Catholics throughout the Arabian Peninsula.[5] Previously, Catholics and other Christians were limited to informal group meetings in homes.[6] Catholic Mass is offered there in nine different languages.[7] Priests have noted that most services are held on Fridays.[8]
There are two Eastern Catholic Churches, St. Mary’s Malankara Catholic Church and St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church.[9]