“Qatar, God will restore you!”
You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us! (Psalm 60:1,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Middle East
Population | 2.5 million
Area | 11,586㎢, A peninsula nation located on the Arabian Gulf.
Capital City | Doha (650,000 people)
People Groups | Total 24 Groups, Arabs 59.6% (Qataris 11.6%), Persians 10%, Muhajirs and Akkadians 9.3%, South Asians 9%, Filipinos 4.5%
Unreached People Groups | 13 (87.4% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Arabic
Total Languages | 21
Bible Translations | Completed 12, New Testament 4, Partial 3
Religion | Christianity 6.2% (Protestant 0.7%, Catholic 3.6%), Islam 87.7%, Hinduism 2.8%, others 0.7%
Evangelicals | 0.8%(21,000 people)
》 About Qatar
Qatar came under Ottoman rule in 1871. After the withdrawal of Turkish forces in 1919, British influence took hold. Qatar declared full independence from Britain in 1971, and Emir Thani ascended to the throne. In 1972, Emir Khalifa seized power through a coup and established a monarchy-centered political system, initiating modernization efforts. In 1995, his son Hamad overthrew him in a bloodless coup and introduced more open and progressive policies. Since 2013, Hamad’s son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has held power. In 2017, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting Islamist extremist groups and maintaining close ties with Iran. However, at the 2021 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, all parties signed an agreement resolving the dispute.
Qatar’s economy is heavily dependent on energy, with oil and gas making up around 33% of GDP, 84% of exports, and 83% of government revenue. The country holds vast reserves of oil and natural gas, ranking third globally in natural gas reserves. Qatar’s GDP per capita is approximately $85,300.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalm 60:1-5, 9-12(NIV) 1 You have rejected us, God, and burst upon us; you have been angry—now restore us! 2 You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. 3 You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. 4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. 5 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. 9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10 Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? 11 Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. 12 With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Qatar’s anti-conversion laws make it difficult to share the gospel with Qatari citizens. Many Muslim-background believers (MBBs) in Qatar came to faith while living abroad. If their conversion is discovered, they are often pressured by their families and communities to renounce their faith, and face discrimination, abuse, and police surveillance. Yet many Qatari Christians continue to worship in secret, and some courageously share the gospel with Muslims despite serious risks. Let us pray for doors to open for religious freedom in Qatar, and that local believers will be strengthened to share the gospel with boldness and trust in God. May the banner of truth be lifted over Qatar, leading the nation to turn from opposing God and to revere Him.
2. Qatar is home to Al Jazeera, the most influential news network in the Middle East. In a region where media is heavily censored, Al Jazeera has made waves by exposing corruption, airing open discussions between Sunni and Shia perspectives, and at times acting as a platform for extremist voices. This has even contributed to diplomatic tensions with neighboring countries. Let us pray that Al Jazeera becomes a redeemed instrument through which the good news of the gospel is spread across the Middle East. Let us also pray that evangelism and discipleship through Al-Hayat TV, radio networks (FEBA, IBRA, SAT-7), and internet outreach will reach households throughout Qatar. May the people of Qatar seek the riches of heaven over the fleeting pleasures and wealth of this world.
3. While foreigners in Qatar are permitted to worship freely, their churches were only established in recent years—beginning with a Catholic church, followed by Anglican and Protestant congregations. Many foreign workers endure harsh labor conditions and unpaid wages. Despite these hardships, Christian laborers continue to share the gospel with fellow workers, and some Muslims are coming to faith. Let us pray for the Qatari government to recognize the value of these workers’ lives and take steps to protect their safety and dignity. May these laborers be stirred to seek God in their suffering. Let us also pray that foreign churches and underground fellowships in Qatar would be united in Christ, strengthened by His Word, and that through their faith and prayer, revival and salvation would come to this land.
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