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Qatar
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Christians face restrictions from the government, society and their own families.
“Jesus is worth every tear, every scar, every loss. He is my light, even in the shadows.”
What is persecution like in Qatar?
Whether native or migrant, Christians in Qatar can face huge obstacles to expressing and sharing their faith.
Islam is the state religion, with Qatar’s policy and culture dictated by strict adherence to Wahhabi Islam and Sharia (Islamic law). This is an identity Qatar is keen to maintain while welcoming an ever-growing number of immigrants and migrant workers. This can make life very difficult for Qatari converts – not least because changing religion from Islam is not recognised by the authorities. Conversion can cause serious legal issues around personal status and property. Added pressure can come from families and the local community.
Migrant workers who leave the religion they grew up in can face hostility from colleagues similar to that in their home country. For those living and working in poor conditions, the challenges can be especially acute.
Foreigners face other difficulties, including insufficient church space at the official Religious Complex outside Doha. Even if space is found, churches must be careful how they engage with the wider community, since evangelising Muslims is strictly forbidden and can lead to prosecution. Migrants can also face pressure to convert to Islam.
What changed this year?
Little has changed. While many Qatari Christians, notably converts, continue to endure pressure for their faith in Jesus, there was good news in January 2025 when the Evangelical Churches Alliance Qatar (ECAQ) started building a church to serve its 129 member congregations. And as is happening across the Arabian Peninsula, people in Qatar are continuing to encounter Jesus, often through dreams, visions and other divine happenings. The church in Qatar is very small, but it is growing.
Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
Converts are at the greatest risk of hostility: Qataris from their families and communities, and migrant workers from their own national or ethnic communities.
What does Open doors do to help
Open Doors supports the body of Christ on the Arabian Peninsula by raising prayer, distributing Scripture resources, providing discipleship, and training believers and pastors.
How can I be praying?
Qatar’s population is about 88% foreign. Praise God for the churches and church leaders who serve expatriate communities, and that they can do so openly.
Native Qataris are unable to freely convert from Islam. Pray that there would be freedom of faith.
Ask God to protect secret Christian converts in Qatar, that they would be safe from harm or arrest.