The book entitled “Expat Ride” has been written by Riyadh-based Indian journalist Mohammed Saifuddin and published by YaHind.com, a major portal that gives detailed news and views about India.

The book covers diverse issues and problems faced by the Indian expatriates in the Gulf countries, besides the new regulations implemented by the government agencies for foreigners.

“Expat Ride” is the maiden publication by YaHind.com, a popular website for non-resident Indians (NRIs). Syed Zia Ur Rahman, YaHind’s chief executive officer, said: “This is a small beginning of his venture and his team at YaHind, which is looking forward to climb new heights in near future.”

“The book addresses concerns of Gulf returnees as well as those Indians who have been living and working in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),” said Zia.

“Saifuddin’s long stay in the Kingdom, journalistic experience back home, keen observation and his ability to read between the lines, combined with his nose for news, make ‘Expat Ride’ a roller coaster ride,” added Zia.

A release ceremony of the book was also organized on the sidelines of an Indian Investor’s Summit, which recently concluded in the Indian city of Hyderabad. The releasing ceremony was organized just a few days after the conclusion of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Jaipur.

Author Saifuddin is an experienced bilingual journalist with an equal command of English and Urdu. He worked for India’s largest circulated Urdu dailies — Munsif and Awam.

After shifting to Saudi Arabia, he contributed many articles to English and Urdu newspapers. Saifuddin was associated with YaHind.com since its early days and contributed many articles still uploaded on the site. After launching the book, former minister Shabbir stressed on the need and necessity to attract small investors from the Gulf countries and to encourage them to invest in India.

Shabbir said: “The problems of the Indian workers in the Gulf countries are different from NRIs living in other countries. They should be dealt with separately.”

He highlighted some of the steps taken by the provincial government of India’s Andhra Pradesh state, when he was the minister for NRI affairs. He appreciated YaHind’s team for publishing a book on such an important subject, the tale of every Indian working in the Gulf.

He also congratulated the author. The event was attended by prominent NRIs, including Nadeem Tareen, chairman of the Riyadh-based Delhi Public School; Viren Joshi of the Australian Embassy; and Mir Himayat Ali, managing director of Levtech Consulting, Riyadh. Prominent literary figures and journalists from Hyderabad such as Abid Moiz, Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez and Abdul Rasheed Junaid were also present.