Arab, Saudi - Najdi in United Kingdom

People Name:	Arab, Saudi - Najdi
Country:	United Kingdom
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	24,000
World Population:	18,511,400
Primary Language:	Arabic, Najdi
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.40 %
Evangelicals:	0.20 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Arab, Arabian
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Najdi is a dialect of Arabic spoken in the Najd region of central Saudi Arabia. Saudi civilization began to germinate with the advent of Islam in 622AD. In a short period Bedouin nomads in what is now Saudi Arabia conquered the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and swaths of the Middle East under the banner of Islam. Islamic armies were unstoppable at that time. The Saudis went from being nomads to developing a great culture with world-renowned mathematicians and architects.
Since Saudi Arabia is a peaceful, prosperous country, not many Saudis feel compelled to migrate to other parts of the world. Only a few of them migrate to Europe.
The few Saudis who live in the United Kingdom (UK) are in urban centers, especially London. Some live in Manchester, Cambridge or Newcastle.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Saudi economy is based on the oil industry, the service industry, and people coming on pilgrimage to Mecca. Those who go to the United Kingdom are usually students or people who work in the oil industry. There have been a couple of Saudis who have made their living in the UK as athletes or entertainers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Saudis are the most conservative Sunni Muslims in the world. Their homeland is where Islam began, and they pride themselves on being the protectors of the Islamic religion. Saudis in the UK can adhere to conservative religious views, or they might rebel against them and embrace Western ways. No matter whether they personally follow the teachings of Islam or not, Islam is central to their identity as a people.

What Are Their Needs?

Friendship evangelism would be an excellent approach, but it would have to be done discreetly. Saudi nationals who turn away from Islam can pay for it with their lives.
College students are often lonely and seeking friendship with those who will provide them with a home away from home. Believers who love Saudi culture and cuisine could show hospitality to them as "ambassadors for Christ." Such people would need to start with areas where Islam and Christianity agree, such as the greatness of God, and the importance of Isa, Arabic for Jesus.

Prayer Points

Pray for true spiritual hunger among Saudi Arabs in the UK.
Pray for the Lord to raise up people who will faithfully share the ways of Jesus with Saudis in the UK in a discreet, loving manner.
Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit that will give Saudis a willingness to embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, depending on Him alone for salvation.
Pray for a disciple making movement among Saudis in the UK that will spread to Saudi Arabia.