Syrian Arab in Saudi Arabia


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula (ie, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Yemen, Oman) are considered to be the original Arabs. The Arabian culture was developed by tribes of nomads and villagers who lived in the Arabian Desert for many centuries. It was also from there that Arab migrations began, eventually leading to the expansion of the Arab world starting with the Levant.
"Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs. The Arabs originally settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. They are spread from Israel to Kuwait and as far east as Iran. Most Levant Arabs speak an Arabic language called Arabiya, with varying local dialects. Like Arabs in other parts of the greater Arab world, the Syrians have their own dialect of Arabiya. Those who move to Saudi Arabia must learn another dialect.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Almost half of the Syrians in Saudi Arabia were there before the Syrian Civil War began. Those who are refugees are considered by the Saudi government to be "temporary" guest workers. Syrians who are in Saudi Arabia because of war are trying to deal with emotional traumas and serious losses of family, friends, jobs, and stability. In the midst of this they need to start new lives and find jobs. The more established Syrians are doing far better.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Syrian Arabs in Saudi Arabia are Shafiite Muslim or Alawites. The Shafiites are one of four schools of Sunni Islam. There are Shia splinter groups among them, namely the Twelvers and Imamis. There is a sizable traditional Christian minority among them as well.


What Are Their Needs?

Syrian Arabs in Saudi Arabia need the chance to get their lives back and lead productive lives. This will mean they need educational opportunities and the chance to earn a living.


Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord's blessing of Syrian Arabs spiritually and psychologically.
Pray for Syrian Arab believers to be blessed with peace and joy in the Holy Spirit in such a way they can reach out to the others who suffer from psychological trauma and loss.
Pray for Syrian Arabs to be open to the blessings of Jesus Christ and his way of salvation through grace.
Pray for a movement to Christ among Syrian Arabs wherever they live.


Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Syrian in Saudi Arabia.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Arab, Syrian
People Name in Country Arab, Syrian
Natural Name Syrian Arab
Pronunciation SEER-ee-un AE-rub
Alternate Names Arab; Arab, Levantine; Lebanese Arab; Levantine Arab; Palestinian Arab; South Levantine; Syrian Arab
Population this Country 285,000
Population all Countries 20,176,000
Total Countries 38
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 2  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 6
PeopleID3 15152
ROP3 Code 109662
Country Saudi Arabia
Region Africa, North and Middle East
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 13  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Country Saudi Arabia
Region Africa, North and Middle East
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 13  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.10 %)
4.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
92.00 %
Non-Religious
2.00 %
Other / Small
2.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Arabic, Levantine (285,000 speakers)
Language Code apc   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Arabic, Levantine (285,000 speakers)
Language Code apc   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Arabic, Levantine
Photo Source James Gordon - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source Bethany World Prayer Center  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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