UAE | SAT-7

History

The United Arab Emirates comprises seven states which united after independence from Britain in 1971: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Fujayrah, Sharjah, Dubai, Quwain and Ras al Khaymah. Abu Dhabi covers almost 97% of the entire area of the UAE, with Ajman being the smallest state.

Government

The UAE is ruled by seven Emirs, the Supreme Council of Rulers, who are responsible for appointing a Prime Minister and cabinet. Political parties are not allowed. Legislation is based on Sharia law, and even foreigners may be subject to flogging if prosecuted for possession of drugs, adultery or prostitution.¹

Social Issues

The country faces numerous drug-related problems as it is a central port for African and Asian drug traffickers heading into Europe, although the government has in recent years implemented severe punishments if caught in possession or in the act of selling drugs or alcohol. The female adult literacy rate of 82% in the UAE is higher than that of men, 77%, owing to the large numbers of women now attending university.²

SAT-7 Viewership

According to surveys, around 3.4% of the population watches SAT-7.³

Religion

The UAE is 96% Muslim, with Christians making up an estimated 2%.⁴ Although other religious groups are not formally recognised by the state, they are free to purchase land for places of worship and practise their religion freely within.

Prayer Points

Pray for continued tolerance and understanding from the state towards Christians as they seek to worship.

Pray for the relatively liberal stance towards Christianity in the UAE to spread to its neighbouring countries in order to permit Christians living in the region to worship freely and openly.

“I love SAT-7 because of the topics and programmes you air. You build our lives, not just spiritually but even socially. I feel that the body is of Christ is here with me at home through you.” Contact through the website

1. Middle East Concern | 2. CIA World Factbook | 3.Intermedia survey 2008 | 4. Middle East Concern

CHANNELS IN THE UAE

viewer quotes

"May God bless you all. We ask Jesus to extend His hand, as nothing is too difficult for Him. We pray that He would give comfort to victims’ families in Aleppo and all of Syria. And we pray that He would stop this storm."

A Syrian viewer of 'Just for You'

"I'm Maya, 3 and a half years old from Amman, watching your bedtime story every night and can't go to bed before listening to your stories. Mama also watching with me."

From a young child in Jordan

"In a remote village in Afghanistan a Christian worker met an Afghan man who invited him to his house. There he switched on the TV, showed him SAT-7 PARS and said, “This is where I get my food from.” This man also invites his friends to come and watch SAT-7 PARS in this remote village."

A viewer in Afghanistan

"May God bless your work! This was a very sweet episode! May the programme make a big difference in our country, in the name of Jesus!"

A Syrian viewer of 'Just for You'

"Your programmes provide such a wonderful opportunity for me to explain to my children what we believe as Christians in ways they understand. It really is a precious thing to have this channel."

A MOTHER IN TURKEY

"I am from Morocco. I want to serve Jesus with all my heart. Thank you for being the source of encouragement and my spiritual growth. God bless you."

A woman in Morocco

"Five years ago I started seeking for the truth in different religions. I was lost, confused and wanted to reach out to God. I really needed comfort and peace. Thank God I found peace and the truth through the programmes and the songs on my favourite channel SAT-7."

A woman from Saudi Arabia

"I came to know Christ through your programmes. I tried to talk about Jesus to my family but they didn’t want to listen to me. So I turn the TV on during your programmes and, without saying a word, allow your programmes to talk to my family about Jesus Christ. And now they sit and watch the programmes!"

An Iranian woman from Tabriz

"Hello to you dear SAT-7 PARS team. I would like to thank you for all your nice programmes. I came to Christ a few months ago and your teaching programmes helped me to improve in my Christian faith. I am thinking of getting baptised and I would like you to advise me where can I go to get baptised."

A SAT-7 PARS viewer

"Finally, a Syrian programme has come to us! May God bless you and use you to the glory of His name."

A viewer of 'Just for You'

"I am touched by the sermons that I’m watching every Friday. I’m not able to go to church but God has opened a door for me to attend a church service in my house every week! I never thought that one day I would see bold Algerians worshipping the Lord and not afraid to be shown on TV."

An Algerian viewer

"We have a lot of believers in Israel who watch SAT-7 and we want you to pray with us for the salvation of many people in the Holy Land."

A viewer in Israel

"My son loves many of your programmes. I can leave him to watch SAT-7 KIDS without any fear that he will see information, advice or ideas that are not from the heart of God."

A mother of SAT-7 KIDS viewer

"I came across your website by chance. I never knew that Christianity is such a beautiful religion. Your site has helped correct many of the misconceptions and wrong ideas I had about the Christian faith and about Christ. I desperately need to know more about Christianity to be delivered from the aimless and hopeless life I presently live."

A viewer in Morocco