Salihi, a 45-year-old native of Kozhikode’s Kovoor area, was laid to rest in Riyadh on Wednesday after dying of a heart attack at his residence two days earlier. The Indian Cultural Foundation (ICF) — Gurabi-Al Amal unit led family members and community volunteers in concluding legal and burial formalities swiftly, allowing colleagues and relatives to attend the funeral held following the Asr prayer.
Indian expat funeral Riyadh draws large turnout
The funeral prayer took place at the Al Rajhi Mosque near Exit 15 in Riyadh after the Asr service. The burial was conducted at the Hayyul Salam cemetery in the Naseem neighbourhood, where ICF members and a wide cross-section of the Indian expatriate community gathered to pay their respects. ICF representatives coordinated with local authorities and the morgue at Shumaisi Hospital to complete the required paperwork promptly.
Salihi lived with his family in Batha’s Ghurabi Street. He is survived by his wife, Shamna, and two children. Relatives and friends described him as a committed family man and an active member of the Malayali expatriate community in Riyadh. Colleagues from his employer, UPC, attended the funeral alongside fellow ICF volunteers.
The Indian Cultural Foundation, often active in providing support to Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia, oversaw the formalities at the mortuary and ensured the repatriation and burial processes were handled respectfully and in accordance with local regulations. ICF’s Gurabi-Al Amal unit took a central role in notifying authorities, communicating with family members, and arranging the funeral proceedings.
Local community leaders paid tribute to Salihi’s contributions. ICF members noted that community-run support networks are essential for expatriates dealing with sudden bereavements far from home. Their involvement reduced administrative delays and allowed the family to observe customary rites without prolonged waiting times.
Those present at the burial included ICF activists, office colleagues, extended family and friends from the wider Kerala expatriate circle in Riyadh. Attendees lined the route to the cemetery and gathered for brief prayers and condolences, reflecting the close-knit nature of the expatriate community.
Work colleagues described Salihi as dependable and diligent at UPC, while neighbours recalled his quiet demeanour and willingness to help. The family has requested privacy as they make arrangements for their children and manage matters arising after his sudden passing.
Obituaries such as this underline the challenges faced by migrant workers and their families. Local community organisations like the Indian Cultural Foundation continue to play an important role in supporting bereaved families, providing both practical assistance and emotional support during difficult times.
Funeral organisers thanked those who attended and helped facilitate the rites, noting the community solidarity that emerged in the wake of the sudden loss. Further details about memorial arrangements for Salihi will be communicated privately by the family and ICF representatives.
Key Takeaways:
- Indian expat funeral Riyadh held for 45-year-old Kozhikode native Salihi, who died of a heart attack at his home in Batha.
- The Indian Cultural Foundation’s Gurabi-Al Amal unit led formalities and expedited legal arrangements for burial at Naseem’s Hayyul Salam cemetery.
- Funeral prayers took place after Asr at Al Rajhi Mosque, Exit 15, followed by a large turnout of colleagues, relatives and friends.
