United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates came into being in 1971, when the Trucial States, until that time a British protectorate in the lower Persian Gulf, became a loose confederation of sheikdoms.

Religion: Muslim 65.45%, Hindu 17.00%, Christian 9.25%, Buddhist 4.00%, Other 2.50%, non-Religious 1.30%, and Baha’i 0.50%. (Religious figures are estimates.) Islam is the state religion with a Sunni majority and a small Shi’a minority.

Ideological Influence: Islam

Head of State: President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan

Persecution: Only foreign Christians have freedom to worship and witness. Christian education and witnessing to nationals are severely restricted. Few believers have opportunities to openly share their faith.

Missionary Opportunity: Several Christian medical agencies are allowed to operate and show eager to learn about the gospel in private and who enthusiastically receive Christian materials.

God Bless!
~your sister in Christ, Erin