People Group Profiles

“All nations will come and worship before you."

- Revelations 15:4

Arab, Northern Yemeni of United States


People Group Info

Total Population: 16,000

ROP3 Code: 108627
IMB Affinity Group: North African and Middle Eastern Peoples
Affinity Bloc: Arab World
People Cluster: Arab, Yemeni
Language: Sanaani Arabic - (ayn)
Religion: Islam - Shia
Country of Origin: Yemen

Photo courtesy of Joshua Project.
By Richard Messenger

Majority Located Where

  Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI - 7,000

  San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA - 5,000

  Birmingham-Hoover, AL - 500

  Fayetteville, NC - 365

Click here to recommend other locations where this People Group resides.

Learn More

Brief Profile

Arab, Northern Yemeni people began to move to the USA to flee the impoverished conditions of Yemen, they simply wanted a better life for their families. Many moved into the Detroit, Michigan area and began working in the American Automotive Industry. A large number of first generation Yemenis came to America many years ago when Detroit was a very successful city and have since retired and have had children that have gone on to be very successful in their chosen profession. Often before a man would move his entire family to the United States he would come for a year or possibly two to work then after he had saved the money and found a good place to settle he would bring the rest of the family with him.

Most Arab, Northern Yemeni people are devout followers of Islam. The women still wear traditional dress and the men will still marry Yemeni women. They are very close to other Arab people in their communities and can retain much of their culture while living in the USA.

Their closest relationships though are with their families. They have very close ties to their family and they rely very heavily upon one another. They find it very odd that Americans would leave their homes when they turn 18 and not stay behind to help and care for their parents.

Prayer Points

  • Pray that God would open the hearts of these hardworking people.
  • Pray that God would show the Arab, Northern Yemeni people of their need to rely on Him.
  • Pray that the Church in America would begin to reach out to the Arab, Northern Yemeni People.


People Group Resources

CAP Voices
Great written, audio, in video resources in various Yemeni dialects.

Global Recordings Network - Northern Yemeni
Audio Bible stories and resources in Northern Yemeni Arabic.

The Prophet's Story - Northern Yemeni
The Prophets' Story Creation to Christ video in Northern Yemeni Arabic dialect.


Learning Resources

Learn more about "Any-3"
Any–3 provides biblical principles and practical steps that have equipped hundreds of Christians to witness confidently and effectively. Over the past decade, thousands of Muslims have been engaged with the gospel.

Learn more about "Learning Paths"
Online Courses for embracing, encountering and engaging diaspora people. Work at your own pace. Begin anytime and complete the course according to your schedule. Interactive, Hands-On Application.

Learn more about "Reaching the Nations"
This book delineates five disciplines Christians should develop in order to effectively reach the nations. More specifically, it will guide Christians to develop an engagement strategy in their locale.

Loving Muslims Small Group Study
This Loving Muslims booklet is a two-week group study that takes a deeper look at Christ’s command to "love our neighbor."

World Religions - Beliefs Overview
An overview of major world religions and cults - their beliefs and practices.

Overview of Islam
Overview of Islam and its sub-groupings. Developed by the North American Mission Board, SBC. Includes generalized witnessing tips.


Other Resources

Prayer Guide for Unreached Peoples
A 30 day guide to pray for unreached people groups.

Prayer Guide using the GOSPELS acronym
A prayer guide that utilizes the acronym GOSPELS to pray for workers among diaspora.

Displaying 1-4 of 4 results.
Country City Metro Area Name State / Prov. Baseline Population
United StatesDearbornDetroit-Warren-DearbornMI7,000
United StatesSan FranciscoSan Francisco-Oakland-HaywardCA5,000
United StatesBirminghamBirmingham-HooverAL500
United StatesFayettevilleFayettevilleNC365