Christianity in the United Arab Emirates

Christians in the United Arab Emirates account for 12.9% of the total population according to 2020 estimates.[1]

The government recognises various Christian denominations.[2] Christians are free to worship and wear religious clothing, if applicable. The country has Catholic, Eastern, Oriental Orthodox and Protestant churches.[3] Although Christian women can marry Muslim men freely, marriage between Muslim women and non-Muslim men is forbidden.[4]

The importation and sale of religious material is allowed; however, attempts to spread Christianity among Muslims are not permitted. Customs authorities review the content of imported religious materials and will occasionally confiscate some of them.[5] Conversion from Islam is discouraged.[5] In spite of this, a 2015 study estimated some 200 Christians from a Muslim background, though not all of those are necessarily citizens of the UAE.[6] Christmas items are sold in the country and noted in the media; in 2022 the UAE President and Vice President wished everyone a Merry Christmas on social media.[5]

  1. ^ "United Arab Emirates", The World Factbook, Central Intelligence Agency, 2024-11-25, retrieved 2024-12-01
  2. ^ "2008 report on United Arab Emirates". 2001-2009.state.gov. 19 September 2008. Retrieved 2012-02-23.
  3. ^ "Global Security website, United Arab Emirates-Religion".
  4. ^ "Marriage - The Official Portal of the UAE Government". government.ae. Retrieved 2019-02-02.
  5. ^ a b c US State Dept 2022 report
  6. ^ Johnstone, Patrick; Miller, Duane Alexander (2015). "Believers in Christ from a Muslim Background: A Global Census". IJRR. 11: 17. Retrieved 20 November 2015.

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