41Qatar

Christians in Qatar are either workers from non-Muslim countries, or people from Muslim backgrounds – and the two rarely interact. There are many migrant workers in Qatar who are allowed to practise the Christian faith – as long as they stick to Qatar’s rules. There is an official religious complex outside the capital, Doha, where a select number of churches have been allowed to meet. Qatari citizens aren’t allowed to enter, and migrant Christians must not speak about Christianity to Muslims. If they do, they may be arrested or deported.

Qataris and migrants from Muslim families who have faith in Jesus can’t openly practise Christianity and can face discrimination, harassment and police monitoring. Changing one’s faith from Islam is not officially recognised, which can cause legal problems around marriage and property ownership.

Qatar is increasingly using advanced technology to monitor both citizens and immigrants. This has caused Christians in Qatar to become increasingly careful about their activities. There are few reports of Christians being physically harmed for their faith, because believers from Muslim backgrounds keep their faith secret.

Meet Nadia

“The risks are very real not just for the individual but also the extended family who are shamed by association. It’s very challenging to find a church and other believers. There’s a lot of fear and mistrust. You could be talking to someone who’s not a believer but is just pretending.”

Nadia (name changed), Arabian Peninsula

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors supports the Body of Christ on the Arabian Peninsula by organising prayer, distributing Scripture resources, and training believers and pastors.