Is Christianity Legal in Dubai?
The United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven emirates, is largely a Muslim country. Religion is deeply embedded in the culture, traditions and even laws of the country. Christianity has been present in the UAE ever since the 4th century but the number of Christians has not been very significant. In the last few decades, especially in the last 10 to 15 years, its presence has grown considerably as it is a popular destination for ex-pats, people of many faiths, seeking job opportunities and a more prosperous life.
The laws in Dubai allow people to practice Christianity, as long as they do not go against the country’s beliefs and values such as insulting Islam. Specifically, the fundamental law of the UAE states that “Article 2 preserves the Islamic religion and its principles in all aspects of their social, political and economic life”, thus any form of free expression of faith is seen as an insult against government policies.
Furthermore, the constitution of the UAE prohibits non-Muslims from preaching any faith other than Islam. Attendance in churches is also restricted, meaning that people cannot openly enter and leave them while reciting Christian prayers or carrying Bibles or any other forms of Christian literature. This is to respect the privacy of the citizens and its state religion, which is Islam.
In spite of all this, many churches have been built over the years, where Christians may go for their prayer ceremonies and attend services. These churches include St. Francis of Assisi of Al Wasl, St. Paul’s Church in Dubai, the Emmanuel Church, Faith Bible Church and the City of God Church. These churches are mainly for citizens and residents of the UAE, worshipping in English, Arabic and other international languages.
Moreover, Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are generally celebrated in Dubai, with a few flamboyant decorations and even full-fledged carnivals. The government of Dubai has also granted permission to Christian charities to open to Christian bookstores and other stores that are involved in the sale of Christian artifacts, books and bibles.
Although Christians may practice their religion in Dubai, their activities must still be confined to worship and they cannot take part in evangelism or other forms of proselytizing. Nonetheless, even though evangelism and other similar activities are strictly prohibited, the tolerance and respect to the beliefs of others in Dubai is exemplary.
Religious Discrimination
Even though freedom of faith for Christians is granted in Dubai, religious discrimination is still present in the country. For instance, hiring Muslims for job positions is preferred as stated in UAE employment laws. This suggests that minorities such as Christians may be treated with lower priority and respect when seeking job positions. Moreover, Christian cannot marry a Muslim in the United Arab Emirates and their marriages are not registered in their home country, making them illegal outside of their place of worship.
In addition to this, Christianity exists in a mainly Muslim country and has limited access to governmental positions and beliefs. For example, although the UAE constitution guarantees freedom of faith and opinion, there are laws against blasphemy and proselytizing. This indicates that freedom of religion is taken as a serious matter and any disrespect of the country’s religionhas consequences.
Another problem when talking about religious discrimination is that of Christian schools. It is exceedingly difficult for a Christian school to obtain a license from the government, due to the lack of funds and resources. On the other hand, even though schools that teach Islamic studies are generally easier to obtain licenses for, these schools are heavily monitored by the government and any violations are met with heavy consequences.
Nevertheless, many Christians in the United Arab Emirates continue to practice their faith without facing any discrimination, persecution or controversy. There are a few hubs of the Christian faith in the UAE and the government both allows and supports the practice of this faith. Even though discrimination can still be found in some areas, overall, the UAE is generally secure and safe when it comes to religious expression and exercise.
Christian Expatriates
Over the past few decades, the United Arab Emirates has also become a popular destination for Christians from abroad who are looking for job opportunities and a more prosperous life. These Christian expatriates come from countries such as India, Philippines, Russia and Pakistan.
This influx of Christian workers has resulted in the establishment of a few churches from different Christian denominations such as Anglican/Episcopalian, Orthodox, Chinese, Filipino, Catholic and Pentecostal. The services for these churches are held in English, Russian and other languages in order to cater to the particular needs of their respective communities.
Moreover, Christian missionaries from foreign countries have been allowed to visit and evangelize in the UAE. The government has also granted permission to these missionaries to open a limited number of soup kitchens, care centres and home-based churches. This indicates the level of religious freedom and acceptance that the UAE is providing to Christians.
The presence of Christians has also contributed to a rise in the tolerance level in the country. People of different faiths interact with each other on a more regular basis, as opposed to before, when a majority of people followed a specific religion and it was expected of them to do so. Furthermore, people of different faiths are able to have a constructive dialogue and debate, something that has only been possible due to the presence of the Christian population in the UAE.
Restrictions on Practice
In spite of the presence of its Christian Expatriates, the UAE still follows its laws when it comes to religious practices. For instance, evangelism is still not permitted and any religious group found engaging in this activity will face severe consequences. Moreover, wearing or displaying religious symbols or attire are also forbidden and can even lead to arrest. Furthermore, Christian symbols such as crosses and crucifixes are also not allowed in public places.
When it comes to literature, any form of religious literature containing Christian preaching and beliefs is also prohibited.Also, due to the strictness of the laws, newspapers, magazines and books that are available in the UAE generally avoid displaying any content that is related to any faith, unlike in other countries.
The restrictions are not just limited to religious practices as the police in Dubai can ask people who appear to be Christian to show proof indicating they are so. In some cases, they can even detain and deport people who are suspected to be engaging in activities related to evangelism. This indicates that even though freedom of religion is allowed to an extent, the government still holds the power to take action against anyone that disrespects the country’s religious values.
Christian Faith in Dubai
In general, Christianity is tolerated and accepted in Dubai as long as practices are kept in line with the beliefs and values of the country. The government has allowed and continues to allow churches to exist and also allows missionary activities by organizations approved by the government.
Christians who choose to live in Dubai are generally free to practice their faith without any discrimination. Churches are generally non-threatening and non-judgmental, welcoming people to attend their services and observe certain laws. The number of Christians has also grown in the past few years and they are generally accepted in the community, even though religious symbols and symbols of faith are not allowed in the public.
Furthermore, the UAE has opened its arms to members of the Christian faith, granting Freedom of Expression and allowing them to practice their faith without any discrimination. This indicates that the UAE is tolerant when it comes to religious beliefs and is showing respect to the nation’s diversity.
Christian Migrants and Refugees
The presence of Christian migrants and refugees has also had an immense impact on the growth of Christianity in the UAE. Migrants from countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria and Pakistan of Christian faith have flooded the country in the past few decades in search of a better future. Even though these migrants and refugees are not guaranteed the same rights as citizens, they are still able to practice their faith without fear and participate in various Christian activities and services such as volunteering in hospitals, schools, and churches.
Moreover, the UAE has implemented a few laws and measures to protect the rights of Christian migrants and refugees such as providing them with adequate healthcare and education and even allowing them to find employment. This indicates that even though freedom of religion is generally tolerated in the UAE, the UAE is willing to take additional measures in order to protect the rights of Christian minorities, who are potentially facing difficulty in their home countries.
Tackling Discrimination and Preconceived Notions
Discrimination against Christians and other religious minorities still remains in the United Arab Emirates. This mainly stems from preconceived notions and beliefs surrounding different faiths, an issue that can only be tackled through education and understanding. Schools, media outlets and employers in the country must be more aware of the fact that minorities come from every faith, and by opening their minds to this concept, people of different faiths can live in harmony.
Moreover, the government of the UAE must continue to educate the public on the importance of tolerance and respect. The government should also provide special advantages and privileges to Christian minorities such as providing them with better job opportunities and improved access to education.
It is also important to note that freedom of religion should be respected, as long as it is kept in line with the country’s beliefs and values. Allowing minorities to practice their faith without any repercussions promotes a greater sense of acceptance and respect for other religions.
Conclusion
Christianity is generally tolerated in Dubai and the presence of Christian expatriates, migrants and refugees has increased in the last few decades. Although there are restrictions on religious practices and limitations when it comes to proselytizing, these restrictions are kept in line with the beliefs and values of the country.
Discrimination is still a problem, however, the government has taken steps to protect the rights of Christian minorities by providing them with improved access to education, healthcare and work opportunities. In conclusion, Christianity is present in Dubai and is gaining more visibility in the country.
