History

On the boundary between Abu Dhabi and Oman, the desert presents a beautiful oasis - Al Ain. It is a spring that refreshes men and camels. The area is divided into two sections and has two names. The part that belongs to Oman is called Buraimi, and the part that belongs to Abu Dhabi is called Al Ain.

The city is one big garden with long avenues bordered by palms as far as the eye can see. A very beautiful motor-way (180km) with special palm trees that withstands the climate, joins it to Abu Dhabi.



The first church was built in Al Ain in 1969 by Fr. Barnabas, and dedicated to Our Lady. The constant increase in the number of faithful, obliged to the Bishop in 1981, to enlarge the church, and to build a more spacious residence for the priest and a good parish hall. On the day of the Immaculate Conception of the same year everything was ready and a resident ant Parish Priest was installed in the person of Fr. Attilio Franceschetti. Up to this time, Al Ain was served by a priest from Abu Dhabi, who visited the place once a week. When Fr. Attilio retired in 1983, he was succeeded by Fr. Daniele Cerofolini. He in turn was succeeded by Fr. Antonino Fortuna, then by Fr. Francis Jamieson and Fr. Mathew. Fr. Antony is the current parish priest from 2007 onwards.