Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Population: 28 000 000 Life expectancy: 72 years School life expectancy: 9 years Religion: Muslim (92.83%), Christian (4.54%), nonReligious/other (1.40%), Hindu (0.60%), Buddhist (0.42%), Sikh (0.19%), Baha’i (0.02%) Saudi Arabia is the world’s leading petroleum exporter, which fuels most of the Saudi economy. Many human rights groups have expressed concern about the human rights in Saudi Arabia.

Concerns Human Rights Saudi Arabia’s government have been criticized by multiple humanitarian organizations for its oppression of religious and political minorities, homosexuality, and women. Human Rights in Saudi Arabia are based on shari’a religious laws under rule of the Saudi Royal family. Saudi Arabia is one of a number of countries that impose corporal punishment, including amputation of hands and feet for robbery and flogging for “sexual deviance” and drunkenness. Well-connected people are able to manipulate Saudi’s legal system to their advantage. Terrorism Terrorism in Saudi Arabia is mainly conducted by radical Islamic fighters. Targets include foreign civilians-mainly Westerners affiliated with its oilbased economy. Since Saudi Arabia houses the holiest sites in Islam, Mecca and Medina, many Muslims were distraught by the US presence. It is believed that this is one, if not the main reason Osama bin Laden called for jihad against the US. Suggested Prayer Topics • • • • •

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Pray that many will be able to embrace the freedom that is in Christ. Pray for an easing of tight controls and for freedom of religious expression. Pray for protection of believers in Saudi who face imprisonment, torture, and even execution. Pray for the effectiveness of radio, television, satellite, Internet and other media that bring the Gospel to Saudi Arabs. Pray for the Saudi Arab women who live under oppression and control from their families and society in general. Pray that the terrorist groups in Saudi Arabia will be exposed to the truth and love found in Christ.

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Commander of Saudi National Guard Reign (as King): August 1, 2005-present Predecessor: Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Interfaith Dialogue: In March 2008, King Abdullah called for a “brotherly and sincere dialogue between believers from all religions.” In June 2008, he held a conference in Mecca urging Muslim leaders to speak with one voice with Jewish and Christian leaders. United Nations ‘Peace of Culture’: King Abdullah and his government were responsible for the ‘Peace of Culture’ in 2008 at the United Nations General Assembly. It brought together Muslim and non-Muslim nations to remove the preconception of Islam and Terrorism. King Abdullah and his administration faced insurgency at the presence of the US military in Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah’s administration responded with arrests, torture, and public beheadings. King Abdullah vowed to fight terrorist ideology within Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah also faced personal criticism on the lack of human rights efforts. He was even accused by protestors of being a “murderer” and “torturer.”