Arab, Arabic Gulf Spoken in Yemen

Introduction / History

Gulf Arabic, also known as Arabiya, is the dialect of Arabic spoken mainly in the eastern half of Saudi Arabia and the nearby smaller countries such as Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE. It is also spoken by some in Yemen and Oman, two countries that border Saudi Arabia. Fewer people speak it in Yemen than one of the dialects collectively known as Yemeni Arabic.
Unlike other countries in that region, Yemen does not have many foreign workers, thanks to the political instability. This means that fewer words are likely to be borrowed from other languages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

No matter what ethnicity they are from, people in Yemen are suffering from civil unrest. Yemen has been divided into two nations, combined, survived demonstrations and riots. Now there is a civil war exacerbated by regional and worldwide powers. Death, destruction and poverty are the lot of people living in Yemen. In accordance with their Muslim religion, Gulf 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). Gulf 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.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Half of the Gulf Arab are Shafiite Muslim; many are Wahhabi Muslim; and the rest are Malikite Muslim. As Muslims, they 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 religion is one of works based on these five "pillars": (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 an obligatory percentage (very similar to tithes) on an annual basis. (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?

There is a need for peace and stability in Yemen so the people can earn an honest living and thrive. The lack of stability is holding Yemen back.
The Gulf Arabs in Yemen have very few opportunities to cling to the One who is the way, the truth, and the life. They cannot accept his abundant life unless the Lord moves among them and sends workers.

Prayer Points

Ask the Holy Spirit to call people who are willing to go and share the love of Christ with Gulf Arabs.
Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through worship and intercession.
Pray for a strong church planting movement among Gulf Arabs.
Pray for leaders among the Gulf Arabs to welcome Christ's ambassadors into their communities so they can share the riches of His blessings.

Text Source:   Joshua Project