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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 a 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.
Christian converts from Islam remain very vulnerable. They are seen as having seriously dishonoured their families and country, which can trigger violent responses from family members if discovered.
Expatriate Christians who come to Saudi Arabia for work also face difficulties, including not being able to share their faith with Muslims or establish churches. They are doubly vulnerable, as migrant workers can face exploitation and abuse.
"… 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 and secrecy. This is why many Saudi Christians suffer from loneliness."
"Talal" a Christian who has served local believers in this region for the past ten years.
Saudi Arabia’s overall persecution score rose, even as its rank fell by one position due to worsening persecution around the world. Being a Christian in Saudi Arabia remains extremely challenging.
Despite implementing reforms in recent years, the Saudi government continues to prohibit the public practice of non-Muslim religions, and religious minorities face ongoing discrimination in the spheres of law, education and employment. In 2025, several Christian expatriates were expelled from the country; some were told the reason was ‘Christianity’, while most received no reason for their unexpected departure. One house church was shut down; those present were individually approached and expelled from the country without explanation.
Open Doors raises prayer support for believers in Saudi Arabia.
Father, we thank You for the courage and perseverance of Christians in Saudi Arabia. Please grant them Your peace, wisdom and protection as they walk a difficult path. Would You help them to find and connect with other believers for communion and discipleship? We pray that You will continue to reveal Yourself in dreams and visions to Your children in Saudi Arabia, and that there will be opportunities for the gospel message to spread, despite hostility. Amen.
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