The Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (formerly the Apostolic Vicariate of Kuwait) was established on May 31, 2011, following a decree from the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The new Vicariate encompasses the northern territories of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The first Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia was His Lordship Bishop Camillo Ballin, MCCJ, a Combonian Bishop of the Latin Rite.

The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin holds the Jus Commissionis for the territory, with most of the priests serving in the Vicariate being Capuchin Friars. There are also priests from the Diocesan clergy, the Carmelite Order, the Salesians, the Trinitarians, the Incarnate Word, and other Rites.

The two ecclesiastical territories were reorganized to better distribute the pastoral care of the growing migrant population between the Vicariates. Both Vicariates have been entrusted to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap.).

The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (formerly the Apostolic Vicariate of Arabia) covers the territories of the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. The Cathedral and Bishop’s House are located in Abu Dhabi.

Historically, Kuwait was once part of the Vicariate of Arabia. In 1953, it was separated and established as an independent Apostolic Prefecture, which was elevated to the status of an Apostolic Vicariate in 1954. The two Vicariates of the Arabian Peninsula were reorganized after nearly 58 years.

As part of the transition, the two Apostolic Vicars made a joint pastoral visit to Bahrain and Qatar in May 2011, prior to the formal transfer of territories.