Malay in United Arab Emirates

People Name:	Malay
Country:	United Arab Emirates
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	34,000
World Population:	18,882,400
Primary Language:	Malay
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.30 %
Evangelicals:	0.20 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Malay
Affinity Bloc:	Malay Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

While the Malay are spread throughout southeastern Asia, the majority are located in Malaysia. The most numerous Malay minorities live in Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and Thailand. There are smaller communities in the UAE.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Malays in the UAE are often employed in engineering, aviation and manufacturing. Others serve in government posts in embassies, consulates, tourism and airline offices. They usually have their families with them, live in neighborhoods of their choice, and make friends with local people. They love to relate to one another through get-togethers and sporting events.

Courtesy is a very important aspect of Malay society. Most of their groups are loosely structured, their commitments are not strong, and loyalty to a group is not as important as being courteous. The "pure Malay" is considered to be kind towards women, children and animals, introspective, polite, slow to speak, passive and indolent.

In Malay society, everyone is expected to get married. According to Islamic law, a man may have as many as four wives. However, most Malay marriages are monogamous (having only one wife). Although many marriages are arranged, the consent of both parties is required.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Ndaus excel in black magic. Witchcraft and sorcery practices are widespread, and Zimbabweans fear their curses. Most of them are animists, and like many peoples in southern Africa, the Ndau depend on protective and guiding ancestral spirits. Their spirits are also known to fiercely revenge deaths due to murders or other unjust means. They also have a Christian influence, which can be tainted by dark spiritual practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The Nadau people must put their hope and trust in Jesus Christ rather than the spirit world and all its trappings.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to soften the hearts of the Malay in the UAE and give them a desire to seek Christ.
Pray for believers to be filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit and share Christ among Malay families.
Pray for a movement to Christ among the Malay in UAE.