United Arab Emirates
Arabian PeninsulaPopulation: 4,444,011 (less than 20% are UAE
citizens)Christians: 4% (expatriates)
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 33rd
Political Leader: President
Khalifa bin Zayed Al NahyanReligious Freedom in Constitution: Yes
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven Emirates. These Emirates have embraced globalization as a means of diversifying the economy to be less dependent upon oil wealth. As a result, many people from other countries have moved to UAE to live and work. In fact, nationals comprise only 15-18% of the population. Migrants from poorer nations are not always well treated. Among the expatriates there are many Christians. They are permitted to worship in designated places. Churches of several traditions share the use of complexes for their meetings. There are many fellowships with great cultural diversity. However there is no freedom for overt evangelism and any such activity is quickly curtailed.
