A taxi driver using a transportation app in Saudi Arabia sparked controversy by ejecting a customer who asked him to stop smoking.

Following the incident, the driver was expelled from the company and may face further consequences. Nayef Madkhali, a prominent Saudi blogger known as "Naifco," frequently reviews services in Saudi Arabia and has a significant social media following.

During a recent ride booked through a legally operating passenger transport app, the driver surprised Naif by lighting a cigarette. When Naif requested the driver to extinguish the cigarette, the situation escalated.

The driver reacted by angrily removing Naif and his belongings from the car, leaving him stranded on the roadside. Naif documented part of this experience in videos. The company responded promptly to Naif’s complaint by banning the driver from its platform.

However, the driver later contacted Naif, hurling insults and threats, indicating that the ban had minimal impact on him as he is registered with other transportation apps authorized by the Saudi Transport Authority. The incident has generated widespread support for Naif from other Saudi bloggers, who are urging the government to intervene and impose stricter penalties on the driver. Some are even calling for his deportation to ensure such behavior is not tolerated.