Arab, Northern Yemeni in Saudi Arabia

Photo Source: Rod Waddington – Flickr Creative Commons

Map Source:  People Group location: Gulf 2000 Project. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.

People Name:	Arab, Northern Yemeni
Country:	Saudi Arabia
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	294,000
World Population:	15,657,900
Primary Language:	Arabic, Sanaani
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Unspecified
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Arab, Yemeni
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Northern Yemenis who are residing in Saudi Arabia, formerly lived in the northern mountains and northeastern deserts of Yemen, the poorest country in the Arab world. Yemen has a turbulent history of wars and conquests.

Where Are they Located?

Northern Yemeni Arabs are primarily located in the southwestern area of Saudi Arabia, across the Red Sea and the coast of Eritrea.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Over population, unemployment, drug abuse, unending political conflict, and tribal rivalries have driven many to Saudi Arabia seeking “greener pastures.” However, the pastures are no greener than in their homeland. Their unemployment rate is between 20-40 percent.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Yemeni Arabs are Muslims, they tend to blend their Islamic religion with other beliefs, though they have been taught that the Koran and the Hadith hold life’s spiritual answers. Embracing the Lord Jesus Christ carries heavy penalties in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. It is believed that small groups of believers meet secretly in homes.

What Are Their Needs?

Life for Yemeni Arab women in Saudi Arabia is extremely difficult and opportunities for a better life and family situations are limited on all fronts. Religious freedom and human rights are possibly the world’s worst in Saudi Arabia. These people for whom Jesus gave His life need to hear the truth. The Bible has not been translated into Sanaani Arabic. It is available online, but the Saudi government severely restricts Internet. There are some audio resources.

Prayer Points

Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit that will give Northern Yemenis a willingness to embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, depending on Him alone for salvation.
Pray for a Disciple-Making movement among Northern Yemenis in Saudi Arabia that will spread to their desperately needy homeland, Yemen.

Text Source:   Keith Carey