Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Muscat 🇴🇲

Located in Ruwi, a district within Oman's capital city of Muscat, the Sts. Peter and Paul Church stands as the oldest Catholic church in the country. Consecrated on April 4, 1977, by Cardinal Simon Lourduswamy, the church was built on land generously donated by the Sultan of Oman himself, serving as a testament to the nation's long-standing tradition of religious tolerance.

It is one of only two Catholic churches in Muscat—the other being the Holy Spirit Church in Ghala—and operates under the Roman or Latin rite as part of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. When you visit this unique house of worship, you will experience a place deeply tied to the local community. The congregation primarily consists of expatriate workers who have migrated to the region since the twentieth century.

As the parish community grew over the years, the structure was expanded using funds contributed directly by the faithful, ultimately reopening in 1995. A trip to Sts. Peter and Paul Church offers you an authentic glimpse into the spiritual life and historic diversity of Muscat's foreign resident community.

What to see at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Muscat

• The oldest Catholic church located in the Sultanate of Oman
• Built on land donated by the Sultan of Oman in a spirit of religious tolerance
• Consecrated in 1977 by Cardinal Simon Lourduswamy and expanded in 1995
• One of only two Catholic churches serving the city of Muscat
• Serves a vibrant congregation made up largely of expatriate workers

Visiting tips

Keep in mind that this parish serves a large local expatriate community, so plan your visit around their gathering times to experience the church at its most active or quietest.

How long: 1 hour · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Muscat is easy to reach on Muscat’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Bait al Zubair Museum and Muscat Gate Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Muscat travel guide.