Arab, Syrian in United Arab Emirates
Photo Source:
James Gordon - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Bethany World Prayer Center
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| People Name: | Arab, Syrian |
| Country: | United Arab Emirates |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 48,000 |
| World Population: | 20,175,700 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Levantine |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 5.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.10 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Arab, Levant |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula 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. Like Arabs in other parts of the greater Arab world, the Syrians have their own dialect of Arabiya. Those who live in the United Arab Emirates need to learn the local dialect of Arabic.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Syrian Arabs have been in the UAE for many years. They are most likely to live in Dubai or Adu Dhabi. In the past, Syrians who migrated to the UAE have been people of means and education. Today there are refugees as well.
The Syrian Arabs who have been in the UAE since before the ongoing civil war are usually professions who have a comfortable lifestyle. Today there are Syrian refugees who are struggling with the trauma of war and learning new ways to make a living.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Syrian Arabs in the UAE are Shafiite Muslim or Alawites. The Shafites are one of the 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?
The newer Syrian Arabs who are fleeing death and destruction need help with their emotional and economic needs. They are often traumatized by the war and in need of comfort.
Prayer Points
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 live with psychological trauma.
Pray for Syrian Arabs to be open to the blessings of Jesus Christ and His way of salvation through grace.
Pray for the Lord's blessing of Syrian Arabs spiritually and psychologically.
Pray for a movement to Christ among Syrian Arabs wherever they live.