The formation of the Diocese of the Gulf Arab countries was initiated by the Armenian community in the region. Armenians in the Gulf region are said to trace back to the early 16th century, settling there for work and engaging in trade between the East and the West.

Significant portion of migration started post 1975, particularly to the United Arab Emirates, Armenians found opportunities amidst the challenging desert climate due to the nation’s stable economy and international investments.

In 1977, the inaugural Divine Liturgy took place at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Dubai, with subsequent pastoral support from Kuwait and Antelias.

The establishment of the vicarage of the Gulf Arab Countries followed in 1979, paving the way for the formation of the first diocesan executive councils in Dubai-Sharjah and Abu Dhabi by 1980. These councils initiated Armenian language, history, religion, and cultural education through saturday schools, supported by dedicated volunteer teachers.

By the early 1990s, the growing organization and cohesion within the Armenian community prompted the National General Assembly of the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia to declare the Arab Gulf countries as a Diocese in 1992.

In 1993, the Armenian community in the United Arab Emirates welcomed its inaugural permanent pastor, V. Rev. Fr. Papken Tcharian.

Continuous financial and moral support from community members sustained communal life within foreign churches and schools.

The United Arab Emirates officially became a diocese in 1994.

In the UAE, the National Representatives Assembly of the Catholicosate serves as the supreme legislative body for four years, comprising 16 clergy and laypeople— one clergy from Abu Dhabi, one clergy from Sharjah, 7 laypeople from Dubai and northern UAE, 3 from Abu Dhabi, and 3 from Qatar. The prelate serves as the Chair of the Assembly. Notably, all Armenian community members aged 18 and above participate in assembly elections without denominational discrimination, a unique feature within the diocese.

The Diocesan Executive Council, elected by the National Representatives Assembly, serves as the community’s executive body, overseeing local parish committees, school trusteeship, and other necessary committees, for two years.

In 1997, construction commenced on a church and school building in Sharjah, culminating in the consecration of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Sharjah in 1998.

In 2013, the Diocese of the United Arab Emirates was separated from Kuwait, forming the Armenian Prelacy of UAE and Qatar.

On November 23, 2019, the National Representatives Assembly convened an emergency session and elected HE Arch. Mesrob Sarkissian as the prelate.

From 1980 to 2020, several distinguished clerics held the position of Head of the Arab Gulf and Catholicos Vicarage, with Rev. Mesrob Sarkissian serving in the role since 2013.