The story: An Indian film depicting the true story of a migrant worker caught in miserable conditions in Saudi Arabia is sparking an uproar in Gulf Arab states. Critics say the production tarnishes the Kingdom’s image, while others see a stark portrayal of rights abuses that migrant workers allegedly face. The controversy comes as Riyadh moves to rebrand itself under its ambitious Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda.

The coverage: Initially released in March, ‘The Goat Life’ grossed over 10M USD worldwide in its first week. The film tells the story of Najeeb Muhammad from the Indian state of Kerala, who in the 1990s sold all his...