The United Arab Emirates seeks to be a positive force towards its neighboring countries, with billions spent to help bring stability in Egypt, efforts to fight ISIL in Iraq, and efforts to restore the government in Yemen[1]. The economy flourishes through oil exports and holds one of the highest per capita GDP’s in the world for citizens. The workforce in the UAE is primarily composed of immigrants, which make up 88% of the total population of the UAE[2]. Migrant workers are recruited from East Asian and Northern African countries to work yet when they arrive, many find themselves in conditions indicative of forced labor or at risk for physical or sexual abuse[3]. The UAE is a destination country for men and women trafficked for the purposes of labor and commercial sexual exploitation[4]. While the constitution provides for religious freedoms, the practice of religious freedom should not violate established customs, public policy, or public morals[5]. Let’s Pray…

-God, we lift up your gospel and proclaim it to travel to all ends of the UAE, and throughout every household in the Middle Eastern Region. We lift up your Christians and we pray for an infilling of your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We pray for safe passages as they share their faith with others. We pray for the foreigners and agree in prayer over their opportunities for proclaiming your name within the land. We pray for training for these individuals in sharing your good news.  We pray for your angels to go before and behind your leaders in protecting and guiding their paths. Jesus, we pray for millions of Emirates and migrant workers to receive your free gift of salvation through repentance in your name Jesus and following you God. We pray that your Word would find their way into the hands of millions in UAE. We pray that your Word would be read by millions and that your Word would transform each and every life. Jesus, help your people love you with all of their heart, soul, and strength. Amen.*  

-Father, we lift up the government in UAE. Holy Spirit, we invite you to minister to every ruler and government leader in the UAE. We pray that their hearts and minds would be open and prepared to the truth about sin and salvation. We pray that they would receive the blood of Jesus Christ as atonement for their sins, and that they would seek to live like Jesus daily. We pray for government regulations to protect and serve the Christian body. We pray that your church communities would flourish in this nation. Thank you God. 

-Father, we lift up the prayer networks that are supporting your works in the UAE. We pray for the fire to continually burn and progress your work in the UAE. We lift up the student ministry programs and pray for your truth to be exposed and for Jesus to be glorified. We lift up medical ministries and pray for eyes to be opened and for hands to feel the grace and presence of Christ through these workers. May all Muslims have the opportunity to call you Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

-Jesus, we pray for every migrant worker in the UAE. We pray for equality and protection over these individuals. We ask that they would find strong community and that they would dwell in healthy living situations. Holy Spirit, we pray that you would bring conviction upon the soul of any individual who is exploiting migrant workers in the UAE. Jesus, we pray that these individuals would repent of their sins, and that they would restore the proper humanitarian rights for these individuals. Jesus, we pray that every migrant worker would place their hope and trust in Yeshua HaMashiach. That they would receive your blood as atonement for their sins, and that you Holy Spirit would take up residence in their bodies. Amen.  

-We pray against the transshipment of drugs through the UAE. Let the guilty be convicted of their sins and may the borders be closed to illicit drugs. Amen.      

Image Credit: ZQ Lee

[1] CIA World Factbook, (Date Accessed March 2015).

[2] CIA World Factbook, (Date Accessed March 2015).

[3] Patt, Professor Martin, (Date Accessed January 2015).

[4] Patt, Professor Martin, (Date Accessed January 2015).

[5] Open Doors, (Date Accessed February 2017).

*Scripture quotations are based upon text obtained from New International Version of Galatians 5:22-23, (1984); Deuteronomy 6:5 (2011).