Introduction / History
The Saudi Arabs in Oman are one of the smallest groups of Arabs in the country, composing only a fraction of the total population. They live mainly on the plains near the Saudi Arabia-Oman border where it intersects with Yemen. The most commonly spoken language among the Saudi Arab is Arabiya, or, as it is more commonly called, Saudi Arabic.

The original Arabs lived in the Arabian Desert, but some of them later migrated into northern Africa. There are two basic classes of Arabs: the true nomads and the fellahin, or those who have embraced farming. The nomads are best known for their journeys across barren deserts on camels, occasionally raiding caravans that cross their paths. The fellahin are more settled, living on the edge of the desert. Most Saudi Arabs are animal herders who move into the desert during the rainy winter season, and then go back to the desert's edge during the dry, hot summer months.

What are their lives like?
Life for the Saudi Arabs is one of harsh existence with few material belongings. Their main possession is the home - a long tent made from woven goat or animal hair. These tents are not permanent dwellings and are divided into two parts by a decorative partition called a gata. Typically, one half of the tent is for the women, children, cooking utensils, and storage, while the other half is for the men. The men's section is used for entertaining guests and contains a fireplace. Men sit and make plans for the group, while the women do most of the household chores.

Animals are very important to the Saudi Arab lifestyle. The Arabs who stay close to the desert's edge herd goats and sheep; whereas, those who travel and raid in the desert rely solely on their camels. Sheep and goats are raised for monetary value, and camels are used for transportation.

Dairy products have been the traditional food source of the Saudi Arabs. Camel and goat milk are drunk fresh or made into yogurt and a kind of butter called ghee. A typical Arab meal consists of a bowl of milk or yogurt, or rice covered with ghee. Round loaves of unleavened bread are also eaten when available. Dates, which can be found in desert oases, serve as desserts after meals. Meat is eaten only on special occasions, which include marriage feasts, special ceremonies, or if guests are present.

In accordance with their Muslim religion, Saudi Arab marriages are typically endogamous, which means that they only marry within a small social circle. Inheritance is patrilineal (passed down from fathers to their sons). Saudi Arab clothing is designed for the harsh desert climate. It is made of lightweight, light-colored fabric and is also loose-fitting, allowing for the circulation of air.

In the past, the Saudi Arabs considered it shameful and degrading to have jobs doing manual labor. However, this has changed somewhat in recent years. Because of the need for improved health facilities, more money, and better housing, some have accepted wage-paying jobs. Nevertheless, most of the Saudi Arabs still despise such positions.

What are their beliefs?
Being Muslim, the Saudi Arabs follow the teachings of the prophet Mohammed. They believe that the only way to God is through following the teachings of their holy book, the Koran. Their Muslim religion is a religion of works based on these five "pillars" of faith: (1) A Muslim must affirm that "there is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet." (2) Five times a day, he must pray while facing Mecca. (3) He must give alms generously. (4) He must fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year. (5) He must try to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his lifetime.

What are their needs?
The Saudi Arabs in Oman are practically all Muslim. At the present time, there are very few believers within their communities. A profession of faith in Jesus may cost a person his family, honor, job, or sometimes his life. Evangelization of this people group will be challenging due to the nature of the Arab lifestyle and belief system.

Prayer Points
* Ask the Lord of the harvest to open the doors of Oman to the preaching of the Gospel.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to call people who are willing to go and share the love of Christ with the Saudi Arabs.
* Pray for effectiveness of the Jesus film among the Saudi Arabs.
* Ask God to anoint the Gospel as it goes forth via radio in their area.
* Pray that God will supernaturally reveal Himself to the Saudi Arabs through dreams and visions.
* Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through worship and intercession.
* Pray that strong local churches will be raised up among the Saudi Arabs.
* Pray for completion of Bible translation in this people group's primary language.
* Pray for the availability of the Jesus Film in the primary language of this people.