Indian Exhibitor Faces Religious Discrimination at Saudi Business Event, Video Sparks Outrage

Riyadh: A video circulating on social media has once again highlighted anti-Indian sentiment and religious discrimination in Saudi Arabia. The clip, reportedly from a business exhibition in Riyadh, shows a Saudi citizen confronting an Indian exhibitor over the religious composition of his company.

In the video, the Saudi individual questions why all employees at the Indian company are Hindu and raises concerns over the absence of Muslim staff. The footage, shared by UAE-based political analyst Amjad Taha on X (formerly Twitter), has been widely criticized for showcasing overt racism and intolerance.

UAE Analyst Condemns Discrimination
Amjad Taha described the incident as “open racism” and condemned the behavior of the Saudi citizen. He wrote, “The individual is targeting the exhibitor because he is Hindu and is hosting a stall at a Riyadh exhibition. He is intimidating and taunting him over his company’s religious composition.”

Taha further added, “Questioning the absence of Muslim employees weaponizes ignorance to attack dignity, faith, and free enterprise. India is a great civilization, and attacking it in this manner is unacceptable. Business is not a religious service, and policing faith has no place in a modern society.”

Rising Trend of Targeting Indians in Saudi Arabia
In recent months, Indians have increasingly been targeted online in Saudi Arabia. Social media users have used the term “Indian” derogatorily to insult UAE residents of Indian origin. Similar trolling was reported when plans for a large Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi were announced, prompting strong responses from the community.

While India and Saudi Arabia maintain strong diplomatic relations, these incidents reflect a disturbing trend of religious and racial bias in online and public interactions, sparking debate on tolerance and respect in business spaces.