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St. Joseph’s Cathedral is the seat of the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, His Excellency Bishop Paul Hinder OFM Cap.
The first St. Joseph’s Church was built on Abu Dhabi Corniche. His Highness Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan signed the title deed on 22 June 1963. The first ever Church in the UAE was consecrated on 19 of February 1965 by Bishop Magliacani. The Ruler His Highness Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, his brother His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and other dignitaries were present.
In 1974, the See of the Vicariate which had been in Aden was shifted to Abu Dhabi. Thus the simple local Church became the Bishop’s Cathedral.
His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan as a gesture of goodwill, donated a new plot for the mission at Mushrif. In August 1981, Bishop Gremoli signed the definitive contracts for the building of the new Church.
The new Church was consecrated in 1983 in the Al Mushrif area on 25th February. The consecration ceremony of the new Church was attended by around 7000 people. The retired ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan was present on the occasion.