Arab, Iraqi in United Arab Emirates
Photo Source:
Christiaan Briggs - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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Map Source:
Location: IMB. Imagery: GMI, ESRI, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, ESRI User Community. Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Arab, Iraqi |
| Country: | United Arab Emirates |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 49,000 |
| World Population: | 22,340,000 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Mesopotamian |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.80 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.20 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| 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
Iraqi Arabs are descended from the Levant Arab people group cluster. The Levant Arabs originally settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. They are now spread from Israel to Kuwait, and as far east as Iran.
Modern Iraq was occupied by Britain during World War I and gained independence in 1932. Because of an ongoing civil war, Iraqi Arabs migrated to many parts of the world for both safety and work. Many went to the UAE because of its strong economy.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Iraqis in the UAE often work low-paying jobs. Most want to eventually return to Iraq if the conditions in that country change.
Social life is extremely important to the Iraqi Arabs. They like to share coffee time each day, sitting on the floor and drinking coffee from cups without handles. Their diet consists largely of wheat bread and porridge made with boiled meat or chicken.
Islam has greatly influenced the lives of Iraqi Arabs. They are only allowed to marry those inside their own group. Inheritances are passed down through the males. In this system, men inherit more than women. Children are considered a family's greatest asset and females are valued mostly for their ability to bear children. In the past, marriages were arranged by the parents. Today, it is more acceptable for young people to choose their own mates.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Apostle Thomas is credited with bringing Christianity to Iraq. The Church was originally centered in the Assyrian city of Arbel and spread out from there. Today, most of the Iraqi Arabs in the UAE are Sunni or Shia Muslims.
What Are Their Needs?
Some Iraqi Arabs continue to struggle with the trauma of war. Many have lost family members.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to draw Iraqi Arabs out from darkness, into the light of Jesus.
Pray for the Lord to move powerfully among Iraqi Christians and give them the willingness to share the gospel, no matter the cost.
Pray for Iraqi Arab disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray for a movement of Iraqi Arabs to Christ.