| · Population: 541,000

The first inhabitants of Abu Dhabi were Bedouins (nomads) of the Bani Yas tribe whose customs remained unchanged for a thousand years. However, the new generation sees little need to retain the traditions.

* As the young people put aside the culture of their fathers, pray that this void would not be filled with secular materialism, but by a hunger for God and His truth.

As the modern city of Abu Dhabi continues to grow, new high-rise apartments and offices are replacing decaying 1960s compound homes built with the first oil revenues. As the city grows its inhabitants face all the issues of any large city. Many who are lonely, needy, and feeling trapped are ready to hear good news.

* Pray that those Christians working in the city will have open eyes to see these needs and also have compassionate hearts.

Before the advent of oil, Abu Dhabi was a small fishing village on an island. Now it is a large modern city with outstanding architecture; it is also the political and financial centre of the UAE. The pre-eminence of this city and its role in the UAE brings with it responsibilities both to the federation and to the entire Arabian Gulf region.

* Pray that decision-makers in the capital will be wise and compassionate stewards of this influence and authority. Pray that the Christians whom they may meet prove to be faithful role models, influential work colleagues, and examples of Christ.

Dubai

| · Population: (674,100 in city and 1,510,000 in the metropolitan area)

Shopping malls are the main place of recreation during the hot summers in Dubai. Materialism and the lust for money make Dubai a somewhat "cut-throat" business environment.

Flag of the UAE

Map of the UAE

* Pray that Muslims turn to Christ instead of secular materialism. Remember in prayer those Christians who seek to bear witness to Christ through their business activities in Dubai, since this is an especially stressful calling.

The Burj Al Arab, a seven-star hotel, is an image recognised around the world and identified with Dubai. The Burj, or "tower", symbolises more of Dubai than just an amazing feat of architecture. Decadent opulence, craving for the biggest and best, and a desire to be seen as a modern city in the eyes of the world underlie many of the local building projects.

* Pray that people of the Emirates will see that their need for significance is best met in a personal relationship with Christ.

Many local families have grand palaces for homes. The ruling sheikhs look after their people well by providing homes, education, and financial assistance. Many are discovering that material comfort does not necessarily bring happiness.

* Pray for the witness of the many Christian servants (mostly Filipinos and Indians) who live in these homes. May they have courage to serve their employers as they would the Lord, so that their employers may desire to serve the Lord Jesus.

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matt 5:16)

Al Ain

| · Population: 318,000

Al Ain is the birthplace of the late UAE ruler, Sheikh Zayed al Nayhan. On the crossroads of a significant desert trade route, Al Ain is steeped in an influential past. The only large inland city in the country, and a border city with the Omani township of Buraimi, Al Ain is as much today a place of crossroads as it was in ancient times.

* Pray that this city will also be a crossroads with the gospel message proclaimed enthusiastically by the many who visit there.

Al Ain's green oasis feel is only possible through the presence of water. Irrigation systems are used like arteries to supply groves of trees with water from its source in the mountains. The Arabic word for water ("mai") is used figuratively to describe something easy, sweet or pleasant.

* Pray that the people from Al Ain would come to know the One who is the source of living waters. Pray that they will come to know Christ as their "living water".
Mountain ranges dominate the Al Ain oasis. The rainfall on these mountains is trapped underground to supply the springs, which water the oasis.

Evidence of civilisations 3,000 years old speaks of a time when this region was cooler and more fertile. Even within living memory there is talk of when it rained more and these plains supported wandering herds of goats and camels.

* Pray that the searing spiritual dryness of this place will be replaced with "streams in the desert".

The information on these pages has been provided by the "Praying Through the Arabian Peninsula" intercession effort. We strongly recommend using their prayer material (printed and digital), which is available from the website www.pray-ap.info.

Video: UAE

Sky from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.

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As the conversation continued he said he was from Peshawar on the Afghan border which is a real hotspot for militant and violent Islamists. He described himself as a Pashtun, one of the great tribal peoples of South Asia. He had developed enough language ability to speak some English, Arabic and Hindi in addition to Urdu. One of his last comments was striking. "Working all night I see a lot of things which I would prefer not to see. There are too many prostitutes here. Too many Ruskies (Russians), too many illegal things at night."

The Dark Side

Dubai is a small city state in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In recent years, however, it has become a world class city of gleaming towers and walled villas. Dubai’s shopping centres even have a ski slope, an aquarium and under water zoo along with luxurious shops. But unfortunately the city is not only made of outward beauty. About 85% of the inhabitants are non-Emiratis. A majority of the foreign workers come from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other Arab countries. Many live in substandard or crowded housing and work terribly long hours. Muslims, including the local Emiratis, make up about 50%+ of the 1.6 million population (In all the United Arab Emirates - population 5 million - the figures are: Muslim 65%, Hindu 17%, Christian 9% Buddhist 4% other or unknown 5%). While the vast majority of foreign workers are men, women from various countries have also arrived mostly working in housekeeping and service jobs while some are employed in Dubai’s night life as indicated by the Pakistani taxi driver. The city definitely has its dark side. The large amounts of money in Dubai’s financial and real estate markets attracts all kinds of legal and illegal activities (1 Tim 6:10).

Flag of the UAE

Map of the UAE

Prayer Starters for Dubai

Many of the foreign workers who consider themselves Christian are actually fairly nominal in their faith. Some are true and committed believers in the Messiah.

• Pray that these believers may really provide an example to Muslims and non-Muslims about what it means to walk in God’s ways (Mt. 4:16, John 8:12).
• Pray that the knowledge of God could come to the Emiratis, other Arabs, the Pakistanis and the Bangladeshis. Emirati society is especially closed to outsiders. The actual contact between Emiratis and non-Emiratis is fairly limited. Pray for openings so that all these peoples could discover the Messiah.

Video: In This City (1:51)

In This City from Salomon on Vimeo.

Shot on Canon 7D, 50mm f/1.8 and 18-200 Sigma f/3.8-5.6 50 shutter

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The Sultanate of Oman, easily accessible from Dubai, is situated in the northeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. A little smaller than the United Kingdom, its major products and industries include petroleum, dates, citrus and tropical fruit, incense, mineral oil, fisheries, and tourism. Sultan Qaboos bin Said has ruled the country with a stable government for the past 35 years. In this time Oman has built up a modern infrastructure and is trying to enlarge its economy. Its five largest cities are Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Nizwa and Sur.

Muscat (population: 514,000)

Muscat is the capital of Oman. Omanis from all over the country come here for study, government services, economic reasons, and medical treatment. A large percentage of the population is foreigners (engineers, specialists, university teachers, skilled workers), since it has only begun building up a university system in the last 30 years.

Salalah (population: 186,000)

Salalah is situated about 1,000 km southwest of Muscat - about 11 hours by bus through barren wastes. Salalah, the only area in Oman where the monsoon rain falls, is fruitful. At its greenest time in the autumn, thousands of visitors come for the Khareef festival. Because of its connection with the Sultanate of Zanzibar, off Tanzania, many Omanis in Salalah are Swahili-speaking. There are several Christian denominations in this city.

Sohar (population: 135,000)

Sohar is said to be the home of Sindbad, the famous Omani seafaring hero. It is considered a conservative city with a traditional lifestyle. Many of the older generation have not received any schooling.

Nizwa (population: 85,000)

Nizwa is situated about 85 km west of Muscat in the mountains. For centuries, the city has been famous as a center for handicrafts, craftsmen, and the arts. However, it is also a center for superstition and the occult. Silver amulets manufactured in Nizwa are worn in many parts of the Arab world.

Sur (population: 75,000)

Sur is the least evangelized Omani city, situated in the eastern point of Oman. Historically it is known for its famous shipyards, where ships are still being built and repaired. The famous Omani dhows sailed as far as China. The population is very conservative.

Flag of Oman

Map of Oman

Prayer guide for Oman:

* In Oman, 75% of the population follows Ibadi Islam, which is generally considered heretical by Sunnis. Ibadis believe that they are the "true" Muslims, making them even more resistant to Christianity. Pray that God may bring breakthroughs.

* Omanis are friendly and hospitable but restrained. They consider it impolite to discuss religious questions, making it difficult to have deep conversations with them. This may be a result of having been persecuted by Sunnis. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open hearts for conversation.

* There are many Christians among the foreign workers in Oman. Pray that their light will shine (Matt 5:14).

Background on Oman (World Factbook)

The inhabitants of the area of Oman have long prospered on Indian Ocean trade. In the late 18th century, a newly established sultanate in Muscat signed the first in a series of friendship treaties with Britain. Over time, Oman's dependence on British political and military advisors increased, but it never became a British colony. In 1970, QABOOS bin Said al-Said ousted his father and has ruled as sultan ever since. His extensive modernization program has opened the country to the outside world and has preserved a longstanding political and military relationship with the UK. Oman's moderate, independent foreign policy has sought to maintain good relations with all Middle Eastern countries. In February and March 2011, in response to protester demands, QABOOS reshuffled his cabinet, pledged to create more government jobs, and promised to implement economic and political reforms, such as granting legislative and regulatory powers to the Council of Oman.

Economy of Oman

Oman is a middle-income economy in the Middle East with notable oil and gas resources, a substantial trade surplus, and low inflation. Tourism and gas-based industries are key components of the government's diversification strategy. By using enhanced oil recovery techniques, Oman succeeded in increasing oil production, giving the country more time to diversify, and the increase in global oil prices throughout 2010 provides the government greater financial resources to invest in non-oil sectors.

Statistics on Oman

Population: 3,027,959
note: includes 577,293 non-nationals (July 2011 est.) World rank #135

Life Expectancy at Birth: 74.22. World rank #104

Ethnic groups: Arab, Baluchi, South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi), African

Religions: Ibadhi Muslim 75%, other (includes Sunni Muslim, Shi'a Muslim, Hindu) 25%

Languages: Arabic (official), English, Baluchi, Urdu, Indian dialects

Literacy: 81.4% -- male: 86.8%, female: 73.5%

School life expectancy: 12 years

Muscat - Capital of Oman - Video

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