The United Arab Emirates was established in 1971 as a loose confederation of seven emirates previously known as the Trucial States. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the president until his death in November 2004. His son, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was elected president the following day. Approximately 80 percent of the people living in this oil-rich nation are foreigners working in the country.

The state religion of the United Arab Emirates is Islam and all of the country’s citizens are considered Muslim. Approximately nine percent of the population is Christian. The country’s constitution grants freedom of religion and although this freedom is generally respected, there are some restrictions. For example, evangelism is prohibited and conversions from Islam to other religions are not recognized. The distribution of non-Islamic literature is not permitted. Non-Muslim men are not allowed to marry Muslim women. Although there are no laws to specifically ban missionary activity, the government is known to pressure those who try to spread their faith. Only foreign Christians have freedom to worship, but there are severe restrictions on Christian education and witnessing to nationals. Few believers have the opportunity to openly share the Good News because of possible arrest.

• Pray that foreign Christians will find ways to show the love of Christ to citizens of the United Arab Emirates.
• Pray for wisdom and strength for believers facing restrictions as they serve Jesus.