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In recent years, social media has become a powerful tool not only for communication but also for misinformation and ideological propaganda. A worrying trend has emerged where Hindutva extremist groups are allegedly using digital platforms to exaggerate or misrepresent differences between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, portraying them as signs of an impending conflict. These narratives, often amplified through coordinated posts, fake accounts, and inflammatory language, appear aimed at sowing distrust and division within the Arab world.
Manufacturing Conflict Through Social Media
Saudi Arabia and the UAE share deep political, economic, and cultural ties. Like any two sovereign nations, they may have policy differences, but these are typically handled through diplomacy. However, extremist social media networks are magnifying minor disagreements, presenting routine diplomatic issues as proof of hostility or rivalry.
By selectively sharing out-of-context statements, old news, or speculative opinions, these groups attempt to create an illusion of conflict. Hashtags, edited videos, and misleading graphics are used to provoke emotional reactions and push the idea that confrontation is inevitable—even when there is no such reality on the ground.
Why Extremist Groups Promote Such Narratives
The objective behind these campaigns appears to be division, not truth. Hindutva extremist ideologies thrive on an “us versus them” worldview. When internal divisions cannot be easily created, attention is shifted outward—towards Muslim-majority countries—to spread confusion and weaken unity.
By promoting the idea that Arab nations are at odds with each other, these groups hope to:
Undermine Muslim solidarity.
Distract from domestic issues and accountability.
Portray Muslim countries as unstable or conflict-prone.
Create an environment where hatred and suspicion can grow.
The Role of Coordinated Online Campaigns
These narratives are rarely organic. Many posts appear to come from coordinated networks, including anonymous or recently created accounts, bots, and pages known for spreading communal hate. They often encourage users to “take sides,” escalate rhetoric, or call for confrontation—despite having no stake in the region’s peace.
Such campaigns misuse freedom of expression to spread disinformation, which can have real-world consequences if left unchecked.
Why the Arab World Must Remain Vigilant
Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have long understood the importance of regional stability, dialogue, and cooperation. It is crucial that policymakers, media outlets, and citizens do not fall prey to external attempts at manipulation.
Healthy debate and differences are part of international relations, but external extremist forces exploiting these differences for ideological gain should be recognized and rejected. Fact-checking, responsible media consumption, and diplomatic engagement remain the strongest defenses against such digital provocations.
Conclusion
The promotion of conflict between Saudi Arabia and the UAE by Hindutva extremist networks on social media is a reminder of how misinformation can be weaponized. These efforts are less about genuine concern and more about dividing Muslim societies and spreading ideological hatred.
Unity, critical thinking, and awareness are essential. The Arab world—and indeed the global community—must stay alert to such tactics and continue to prioritize peace, cooperation, and truth over propaganda and manufactured outrage.
