Christianity in the United Arab Emirates

Christians in the United Arab Emirates account for 12.9% of the total population according to 2020 estimates.

The government recognises various Christian denominations. Christians are free to worship and wear religious clothing, if applicable. The country has Catholic, Eastern, Oriental Orthodox and Protestant churches. Although Christian women can marry Muslim men freely, marriage between Muslim women and non-Muslim men is forbidden.

The importation and sale of religious material is allowed; however, attempts to spread Christianity among Muslims are not permitted. Customs authorities review the content of imported religious materials and will occasionally confiscate some of them. Conversion from Islam is discouraged. In spite of this, a 2015 study estimated some 200 Christians from a Muslim background, though not all of those are necessarily citizens of the UAE. Christmas items are sold in the country and noted in the media; in 2022 the UAE President and Vice President wished everyone a Merry Christmas on social media.

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