South Asian, Telugu-speaking in United Arab Emirates

People Name:	South Asian, Telugu-speaking
Country:	United Arab Emirates
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	485,000
World Population:	1,735,700
Primary Language:	Telugu
Primary Religion:	Hinduism
Christian Adherents:	7.00 %
Evangelicals:	3.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The homeland of the Telugu-speaking people is south India. Telegu is one of the major languages of India. At one time, thousands left India for work. Telugu speakers live in 13 countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Some migrated there as indentured servants during the era of the British Empire.

The ability of most Telugu speakers to also speak English gives them an advantage in international business.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Telegu speakers in the U.A.E. try to maintain their ethnic identity and at the same time become model citizens. They speak Telugu at home and Arabic with their neighbors. The educated English and Arabic speaking Telugus live middle or upper class lifestyles. They work in universities, science, commerce, and as professionals.

Telugu parents encourage their children to pursue higher education and obtain university degrees. The father is the head of the Telugu family. He shares leadership with his wife over the children. In traditional Telugu culture, parents chose the spouse for their children. Matrimonial sites announce the desire to find a spouse in various countries including the U.A.E.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The large majority of Telugus in the U.A.E. practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Most Hindus believe that by performing rituals and good works that they will attain moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth, death and rebirth. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods as Christians do with their heavenly Father.

There are many forms of Hinduism, each with its own deities and beliefs. The Hindus in the U.A.E. try to be discrete in their religious practices because many Muslims see Hindus as idol worshippers. The main yearly Hindu holidays are Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring, Diwali, the festival of lights, Navratri, the celebration of autumn and Rama Navami, Rama's birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

The Telugu speakers in the U.A.E. need to understand that material success will not bring them the happiness they are seeking. They need peace with the only God, the one Christians call Father.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to do miracles among Hindus in the U.A.E.
Pray the Lord raises up movements to Christ among Hindus in the U.A.E.
Ask God to bring Telugu leaders and heads of families into his kingdom.
Pray that soon Telugu Christians will disciple Emirate Muslims.