Minor Basilica
Our Lady of Arabia
Queen of Arabia — Patroness of the Arabian Peninsula
Minor Basilica · Ahmadi, Kuwait · Est. 1948
1945
First Mass
1948
Church Founded
1957
Patroness Decreed
2025
Minor Basilica
Mother Church of the Vicariate
The First Catholic Church in Kuwait
Dedicated to Our Lady of Arabia, St. Elias the Prophet & St. Thérèse of Lisieux — a centre of pilgrimage and Carmelite faith since 1948.
Carmelite Heritage
Founded by Carmelite missionaries, the church has served Catholics of all nationalities in Kuwait since 1948. Our Carmelite roots are at the heart of every prayer and devotion here.
Read the history ›Centre of Pilgrimage
Granted the indulgences of St. Mary Major, Rome in 1949. The day-long Eucharistic Adoration every First Friday draws the faithful from across Kuwait and the Gulf.
Devotion & Novena ›Gift of the KOC
The present church building (1956) is a generous gift from the Kuwait Oil Company. The new parish hall (2001) was gifted by the Kuwait Government and KOC to all the faithful.
View milestones ›
Explore Our Parish
What Would You Like to Find?
History & Milestones
From the first Mass in 1945 to the Minor Basilica proclamation in 2026 — with photos
›
Devotion, Statue & Novena
The sacred statue, patroness decrees, perpetual novena in 4 languages
›
Mass Timings
Friday, Sunday, weekday & multilingual Mass schedules
›
Contact & Location
Address, phone, email, office hours & map
›
Our Clergy
Meet Our Priests
Rev. Fr. Darel Priwon Fernandes, OFM Cap
Rector & Parish Priest
Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia, Ahmadi
Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia, Ahmadi
Rev. Fr. Ruben Barrameda
Resident Priest & Delegate Vicar
Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia, Ahmadi
Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia, Ahmadi
Rev. Fr. Jijo Thomas, OFM Cap
Assistant Priest
Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia, Ahmadi
Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia, Ahmadi
Rev. Fr. Garry Canja Andres, OFM Cap
Assistant Priest
Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia, Ahmadi
Minor Basilica Our Lady of Arabia, Ahmadi