Pray for United Arab Emirates
Dubai and the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
Photo: imran shahabuddin, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About United Arab Emirates
The capital is Abu Dhabi. People speak Arabic. The largest faith is Islam.
Source: Wikipedia, with the cited sources it lists.
Prayer briefing for United Arab Emirates
Last updated October 2026. Facts come from the sources listed below.
Current events
The UAE has been living with the regional war that began on 28 February 2026, when Iran launched missiles and drones at Gulf states after Israeli and US strikes on Iran. Attacks in March and April hit Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah. In August the UAE said Iran fired two missiles towards it, which Iran denied, and the UAE halted all trade with Iran. In September it suspended flights by Iranian airlines.
We pray for: Immediate relief, safety and urgent help.
Leadership and politics
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates. The President is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in office since May 2022. The Prime Minister is Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, who marked 20 years as Prime Minister in January 2026. Leaders are managing security, trade and relations with neighbours, and in September Algeria cut diplomatic ties with the UAE.
We pray for: Wisdom, integrity and justice for those in authority.
Economic health
The war has hit tourism, transport and trade. The economy shrank about 2% in the second quarter of 2026, and in October the IMF forecast a fall of about 4% for the year, with a strong recovery expected in 2027. Non-oil activity is now about four fifths of the economy. Businesses that rely on imported goods and overseas markets remain under pressure.
We pray for: Provision for families and honest stewardship.
Social and cultural issues
Emirati citizens are only about one in ten of the people living in the UAE. Most residents are expatriates and migrant workers, many from South Asia, and English is widely spoken. Human rights groups have raised concerns about the treatment of some migrant workers, who are among the most vulnerable, especially in a time of war and economic strain.
We pray for: Reconciliation, peace and protection of the vulnerable.
Spiritual landscape
About three in four residents are Muslim, mostly Sunni, and Islam is the state religion. About 13% are Christian, about 6% Hindu and about 3% Buddhist, in figures for 2020. Christians are found among the large foreign communities from many nations. The remains of a Christian monastery from the 7th century have been found on Sir Bani Yas Island.
We pray for: Spiritual awakening, hope and the spread of truth.
Religious freedom
Islam is the official religion of the federation. The government promotes religious tolerance through a Ministry of Tolerance and has eased some laws on personal life since 2020. The UAE does not appear among the 50 countries on the Open Doors 2026 World Watch List. Many people of different faiths live and work side by side.
We pray for: Protection for believers and freedom to worship safely.
Historical wounds
The coastal sheikhdoms came under British protection in the 1800s as the Trucial States. The federation was formed on 2 December 1971, and Ras Al Khaimah joined soon after. In 1971 Iran took control of three islands also claimed by the UAE, Abu Musa and the two Tunbs, and the dispute remains unresolved.
We pray for: National healing, breaking old cycles and deep forgiveness.
Let us pray together
Our Father, we come to You together for the United Arab Emirates. Keep the people safe from attack, and bring calm and relief where fear has come. Give the President, the Prime Minister and all leaders wisdom, integrity and justice. Provide for every family and every worker, and give honest stewardship in hard times. Protect migrant workers and all who are vulnerable, and keep peace among the many peoples who live here. Let Your hope and truth be made known, and keep every believer free to worship safely. Heal old wounds between neighbours and lead the region in forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sources
- Wikipedia: 2026 in the United Arab Emirates (Oct 2026)
- Enterprise: UAE economy contracts 2.1% in Q2 as war hits non-oil activity (Oct 2026)
- The National: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on government (Sept 2026)
- Enterprise: IMF cuts Gulf growth forecasts (Oct 2026)
- Wikipedia: United Arab Emirates, people, religion and history
- Open Doors: World Watch List 2026 (Jan 2026)
More ways to pray
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