Arab, Jordanian in United Arab Emirates

Introduction / History

Jordanian Arabs are from the "Levant" portion of the Arab world. The Levant live in Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. Most Levantine Arabs speak Arabic, which consists of many dialects, some of which are mutually unintelligible. Almost everyone in the Arab world understands Modern Standard Arabic.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Jordanians in the UAE live mostly in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Many of them are professors, managers, doctors, and engineers. Social life and hospitality are very important in Arab culture. In Islam, a man can have up to four wives, although currently, most Levantine marriages are monogamous. Polygamy was more popular in the past among Jordanian Arabs, partly because providing for a large family was less expensive.

To preserve their people, the Jordanian Arabs are only allowed to marry inside their own group. Their society is patrilineal, meaning the males pass on inheritances. In this system, boys inherit more than girls. Children are considered a family's greatest asset and females are valued for their ability to bear children.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Jordanian Arabs are Muslim. Their religion is works-based and involves five basic "pillars." (1) A Muslim must affirm that "there is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet." (2) He must pray five times a day while facing Mecca. (3)

What Are Their Needs?

Jordanian Arabs need the gospel. Few Jordanians follow Christ. Like members of religious groups all over the world, Jordanian Muslims equate Christianity with a worldwide political system.

Prayer Points

Pray for a powerful movement to Christ among Jordanian Arabs.
Pray for Jordanian Arabs in the UAE to have access to the gospel.
Pray that they would understand their need for Christ.
Pray for Christian Jordanians to share the gospel with their Muslim neighbors.

Text Source:   Joshua Project