There is this prevailing attitude in the West and the Far East, oh, and South America too, that Arabs are untrustworthy.
Shame on them all. The Arabs were the original slavers, and they are simply continuing their traditions. UAE building workers, Filipina maids, American pilots. None are treated any differently. It is the custom of the slave owners and overseers.
Mind you, flying in an airline flown only by its nationals, that could pose a problem for many passengers once the safety records start being broken.
We all have a choice in such matters. Flying for/with Saudia? Caveat emptor.