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Indians in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is home to one of the largest Indian communities outside India.
From oil fields and construction sites to hospitals, IT firms, and small businesses, Indians have played a crucial role in shaping the Kingdom’s modern workforce. Saudi Arabia hosts one of the largest NRI populations in the world, second only to a few Gulf nations.
As per the latest MEA report, 2,463,509 Indians (24.63 lakh) are residing in Saudi Arabia.
Breakup of Indians in Saudi Arabia
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – 2,460,603 (24.6 Lakh)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) – 2906
read about Population of Overseas Indians
Indian population in Saudi Arabia 2026
Indians make up around 10–13% of Saudi Arabia’s total population, making them the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom.
As of 2026, the estimated Indian population in Saudi Arabia is about 25 lakh (2.5 million).
Indian States with the Highest Presence in Saudi Arabia
Among the nearly 25 lakh Indians working in Saudi Arabia, certain Indian states dominate the migration pattern:
Kerala (Malayalees): ~40%
Telangana: ~20–25%
Others: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan
From Telangana, the majority of NRIs come from:
Hyderabad
Karimnagar
Nizamabad
These migration trends reflect long-standing labour and professional ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
Cities with Large Indian Expat Populations
Indian expatriates are spread across major Saudi cities and industrial hubs, including:
Riyadh: ~1,000,000 (10 lakh)
Jeddah: ~70,000
Dammam
Jubail
Jizan
(Figures are based on estimates.)
Religion of Indian population in Saudi Arabia
Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia represent multiple faiths and cultural backgrounds.
The majority of Indians are Muslims
Other communities include Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists
A 2010 study found that:
93% of Saudi Arabia’s population was Muslim
Less than 5% were Christians
The remaining population included Hindus, Buddhists, followers of folk religions, and people with no religious affiliation
Why Indians Matter in Saudi Arabia
Indians form the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s expatriate workforce, contributing across:
Construction & infrastructure
Healthcare
IT & engineering
Oil & gas
Retail & services
Their presence continues to strengthen India–Saudi Arabia economic and cultural ties.
Source
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India
Population estimates and migration studies