13Saudi Arabia

Nationalism and Islam are intertwined in Saudi Arabia, with Mecca and Medina venerated as significant sites by all Muslims worldwide. All Saudi citizens are considered Muslim, and Islamic principles and writings govern the way the country functions.

Converting from Islam technically carries the death sentence, though there has been no recent documentation of official executions for this offence. Public churches are banned, and converts must try to keep their faith secret. Otherwise, they face being disowned and attacked by their families and clans. Government officials also sometimes target Saudi Christians at the request of family or community members. Despite all this, the small number of converts is growing.

Most Christians in Saudi Arabia are migrant workers. They are affected by difficult policies, exploitation, enhanced surveillance of communications, and they can face abuse due to their ethnicity and low social status. They are prohibited from sharing their faith and risk arrest and deportation if discovered.

Meet Talal

“Most Muslims who come to Christ in Saudi Arabia will never tell their family about their newfound conviction. They must live their faith in secret, with utmost caution. This is why many Saudi Christians suffer from loneliness.”

Talal* (name changed), a Christian who has served local believers in this region for the past ten years.

What does Open Doors do to help?

Open Doors raises prayer support for believers in Saudi Arabia.