This week, Paula is taking the learning journey to the United Arab Emirates! While in the UAE, Paula will visit the Burj Khalifa in Dubai (the world’s tallest building), the Louvre in Abu Dhabi🖼️, the famous Dubai mall, boasting 1200 stores, and ride a camel🐪through the Arabian desert! She might even be able to convince a local police officer👮🏾♂️to give her a joy ride in one of the luxurious Lamborghini’s🚓 the UAE police force uses!
Congratulations to Alan McCain, Elizabeth J Laswell, and Natalie Wilkins for being the first to guess this week’s location correctly!
Today’s LinkedIn Learning Videos:
Fun Facts about the UAE:
- The UAE has the first robotic🤖policeman👮🏾♂️in the world! “Robocops” help identify wanted criminals and collect evidence. Learn more about “robocops” in this article!
- Many of the police cars in the UAE are Lamborghinis! The UAE has been using luxury vehicles in their police force since 2oo7, and Lamborghinis were introduced to the force in 2013. Learn more about the luxuries of the UAE police cars here!
How the Gospel is Spread in the UAE:
Since Christianity first appeared in the UAE in the 4th century, it has been a minority religion. While Christianity itself isn’t illegal in the UAE, there are many laws the government has in place to keep Christianity a private religion. Some restrictions include, insulting Islam, in any way, is prohibited, Christians cannot enter or leave a church while praying or carrying Christian literature (such as a Bible), and Christians cannot evangelize (along with other forms of proselytizing).
Christians in the UAE must also be careful with wearing religious symbols, as this act could lead to arrest. If someone appears to be a Christian, the police may ask that person to show proof of their religion, which could lead to that person being detained or even deported. Some Emirates in the UAE allow Christian charities, bookstores, soup kitchens, care centers, and churches to operate. Many Christians in the UAE gather in churches, but others choose to gather in their homes. House churches are more private and allow members to speak freely.
Because of the laws against openly evangelizing, Christians in the UAE typically evangelize to people they are close with, or work closely with, such as family members, friends, and coworkers. These relationships all require a foundation of trust and respect to be in place for Gospel conversations to happen. Because of family and social pressure, Muslims must weigh the cost of how their lives would change if they converted to Christianity. Muslim converts often risk losing parental rights or employment, and because of this, many choose to keep their faith secret or leave the country.
Hint for Next Week’s Location:
A tapestry stitched in freedom thread,
Where many tongues and dreams are spread.
Mountains rise and plains expand,
Yet no one king rules all the land.
You’ll find a torch held in the bay,
A gift from France that lights the way.
A bell once cracked still proudly rings,
Near streets where rebels dared be kings.
Guess next week’s location here
Posted in: Campus Today