Arab, Syrian in Saudi Arabia

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.

Text Source:   Joshua Project