Why Are Some Saudis Using ‘Indian’ as an Insult Amid UAE Tensions?

Abu Dhabi/Riyadh: Recent tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen have taken a worrying turn on social media. In the midst of the dispute, a wave of racist online campaigns originating from Saudi users has targeted Indians and other South Asians.

Saudi Arabia positions itself as a global leader of the Islamic world, funding Muslim organizations worldwide to bolster its influence. As the custodian of Islam’s two holiest mosques, the kingdom enjoys significant sway among Muslims globally. Yet, beneath this religious and political influence lies a stark reality of deep-seated racism.

Recently, social media users in Saudi Arabia have begun derogatorily labeling UAE nationals as “Indian”—using the term as an insult to demean them. UAE resident Mishal Al Shamsi (@mes_alshamsi) revealed on X (formerly Twitter) how Saudis are channeling their racial prejudices against neighboring Muslim communities. He shared multiple screenshots showing racist remarks directed at Emiratis and Egyptians, with terms like “Indian” and “Bangladeshi” used as slurs.

Al Shamsi highlighted the irony of these attacks, noting that “Indians are human beings too, with scientists, doctors, inventors, and artists whose names are etched in the pages of history.” Yet, in the eyes of these Saudi users, using “Indian” as an insult is intended to undermine dignity and worth.

Supporting Al Shamsi’s claims, Khalid Hasan (@Khaledhzakariah) wrote that Saudis frequently resort to racist attacks whenever disagreements arise with neighbors. He described a perception among some Saudis of being the “pure-blooded” nation, considering others inherently inferior.

This surge in racialized language comes at a time of heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen, highlighting how political conflicts can exacerbate ethnic and racial prejudices online.

The social media discourse underscores the broader challenge of racism and stereotyping in the Gulf region, where geopolitical rivalries sometimes fuel discrimination against foreign nationals and neighboring communities.