Fanatical Muslims in Saudi Arabia derisively refer to Muslims of the UAE as “Indian”

UAE Muslims rebuke Saudi fanatics who criticised the construction of a grand temple

Dubai (UAE) – Competition between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over expanding influence—from Yemen to Sudan—has been ongoing for some time. Disputes flare up between the two countries from time to time. A similar controversy has emerged again, with social media users in Saudi Arabia targeting not only the UAE but also India. Saudi citizens have derisively referred to UAE citizens as “Indian.” Since “Indian” is equated with being Hindu and idol-worshipping, people in Saudi Arabia attempted to attack the very Muslim identity of Emirati citizens by labeling them as “Indian.” A positive aspect of this episode is that many citizens of the United Arab Emirates came out in support of India and strongly criticised fanatical Saudi citizens on social media.

Amjad Taha, a prominent citizen of the UAE, wrote on X: “Let us be clear: calling us Indian is not an insult. #India and the Indian people are among the greatest civilizations in human history. A civilization that gave the world mathematics, philosophy, medicine, and spiritual depth long before many modern states existed. We live with India, work with India, grow with India, and respect India. (sic)”

Saudi online trolls are calling UAE citizens "Indian" as an insult, mocking the presence of a #Hindu temple.
Let us be clear: calling us Indian is not an insult. #India and the Indian people are among the greatest civilizations in human history. A civilization that gave the world… pic.twitter.com/peYbiR3NvF

— Amjad Taha أمجد طه (@amjadt25) February 2, 2026

Rauda Altenaiji, another citizen of the UAE, wrote: “Our relationship with Indians runs far deeper than any insult a Saudi throws at them. Yes, we have the largest Hindu temple, and that fact alone speaks volumes. The respect and warmth are mutual, built over decades of trust, coexistence, and genuine human connection. It goes deeper than any cheap slur or online noise, because it is rooted in lived reality, shared contribution, and mutual dignity. (sic)”