Indian businessman faces racial attack at Riyadh exhibition over religion: ‘Not even one Muslim in organisation’

Indian businessman comes under racial attack at Riyadh exhibition

• Video from Riyadh expo shows Indian exhibitor verbally targeted over religion
• Incident triggers social media outrage, demands for action and embassy involvement
• No official response yet from Saudi authorities or exhibition organisers

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A video from a business exhibition in Riyadh has triggered widespread outrage on social media after showing an Indian exhibitor being verbally targeted over religion.

In the video, the man appears to mock the firm’s religious identity, remarking that it does not have “not even one Muslim” employee. The identity of the individuals involved and the organisers of the exhibition has not been publicly confirmed so far.

The controversy gained traction after UAE-based political analyst Amjad Taha shared the video on X, describing the incident as “blatant racism.” Defending India’s civilisational identity, Taha wrote that “Indian is not an insult.”

This is blatant racism. A Saudi attacking an Indian for being Hindu and for owning a stand at a Riyadh exhibition..bullying them and sneering, "This #Hindu company doesn’t even have one Muslim here." This is ignorance weaponized, an assault on dignity, faith, and free enterprise.… pic.twitter.com/zi3o3Bc6nN

— Amjad Taha أمجد طه (@amjadt25) February 3, 2026

“Business is not a mosque roll call, and faith policing has no place in modern society,” he said, calling the behaviour “shameful” and “absolutely unacceptable.”

It remains unclear whether any formal complaint has been filed or if Saudi authorities or exhibition organisers have responded to the incident.

Social media backlash

The clip drew sharp criticism online, with many users describing the confrontation as racist and sectarian, and raising concerns about the dignity and safety of Indian professionals working in Saudi Arabia.

One user wrote, “I hope we are taking a Note of Saudis behavior towards Indian’s. UAE India partnership is based on Mutual Respect and hence they are standing up for us. And we must protect our integrity and dignity In Saudi Arabia there has to be no compromise on that front.”

Another said, “The Saudis need to learn respect, multiculturalism, and humanity from the UAE. India is a great country and the Saudi debasement of the Indian businessman is disgusting.”

A third comment read, “Disgraceful. Saudi government should punish the culprit.”

Others questioned Saudi Arabia’s openness to diversity. “He’s so rude!! The guy is there for business, why would they attack anyone for their belief!! Saudi is not a good place for investment! Saudi’s are extreme, and not open to diversity!” a user wrote.

Some social media users urged the Indian Embassy in Riyadh to intervene, with one post asking, “Why invite Indians if they are discriminated on race and religion? In what way are Saudis superior?”

Another comment said, “What appears in this video is pure racism. It does not represent values, religion, or society; it represents an individual shaped by ignorance and a psychologically unhealthy environment. Business is about effort, creativity, and merit not identity, faith, or nationality.”

Saudi Arabia hosts one of the largest Indian expatriate populations in the world, estimated at around 2.6 to 3 million people. While the kingdom is an Islamic nation, the Indian community there includes Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and followers of other faiths.

As of now, there has been no official statement from Saudi authorities regarding the viral video.