Deaf in Saudi Arabia


Population
Sign Languages
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Unlike ethnic groups, Deaf people can be found in every country in the world and often blend in with the broader community around them. Deaf people are usually viewed as a disabled group, but a more accurate approach is to consider them as a distinct people group. They have their own unique languages and culture.


What Are Their Lives Like?

By joining the Rights of Persons with Disabilities agreement at the United Nations, Saudi Arabia has helped Deaf people in that country. There are now Deaf students at universities and more sign interpreters at general events.

They have Deaf clubs and Deaf associations. Some Deaf Saudis travel to other Arab countries for events, while some of the Deaf in those countries come to Saudi Arabia. The Deaf in Saudi Arabia are gaining more knowledge through social media and traveling abroad. The sign language used is usually the Saudi Arabian one.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam is their main religion, but those who can’t communicate cannot understand their faith.


What Are Their Needs?

There is a shortage of sign language interpreters in Saudi Arabia, and this makes life difficult for the Deaf there. Additionally, some teachers do not teach with sign language, requiring students to rely on their hearing, lip-read, and use oral forms. Sign language is being looked at more now.


Prayer Items

Pray that Deaf Christians will help to bring the Deaf in Saudi Arabia to Jesus Christ.
Pray that the Deaf in Saudi Arabia will come into contact with sign language teaching Christians.
Pray for the Lord to prepare and send out Deaf workers to the Deaf in Saudi Arabia.
Pray for the Deaf in Saudi Arabia to hunger for spiritual truth and find it in Jesus.


Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in Saudi Arabia.


References

www.deaf unity.org/article-interview/bader-alomary-deaf -saudi-arabia/


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Deaf
People Name in Country Deaf
Pronunciation def
Alternate Names
Population this Country 100,000
Population all Countries 27,577,000
Total Countries 218
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 0  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
PeopleID3 19007
ROP3 Code 114916
Country Saudi Arabia
Region Africa, North and Middle East
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 12  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Country Saudi Arabia
Region Africa, North and Middle East
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 12  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)

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Primary Religion: Unknown
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
100.00 %
Primary Language Saudi Arabian Sign Language (100,000 speakers)
Language Code sdl   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Saudi Arabian Sign Language (100,000 speakers)
Language Code sdl   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Saudi Arabian Sign Language

Primary Language:  Saudi Arabian Sign Language

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Photo Source (Representative photo)
Copyrighted © 2025  Ahmad Ihsan - Shutterstock  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.