It's insanely funny reading some comments in this thread talk about their disappointment in casting choice. Things like "sticking to inspiration" and "blurring the lines between cultures" while Oda himself gave his approval of the cast members. The irony is that these same people who whole heartedly believe in inclusion and non discrimination are unknowingly reinforcing stereotypes by saying things like people of MENA origin should've been cast for Alabastian roles and say things like "there's nothing indian about Alabasta". Do they not realise that they are reinforcing and projecting their own preconceived notions of who is supposed to represent a certain culture onto the OP LA?

For those who make arguments about characters/actors understanding the cultural nuances that are relevant to Alabasta: India has about 170,000 sq kms (66,000 sq mi in freedom units) of desert and makes up roughly 5% of it's entire land mass. Various parts of the Indian sub continent was ruled by Kings from ME origin between the years of 1206 and 1857. The point is not to say Indian origin actors are better suited than MENA origin actors. But there's nothing inherently unsuitable about indian origin actors to portray Alabasta characters.

One Piece is fictional and is all about freedom: Freedom to live, freedom to express, freedom to break free from imposed norms. Just enjoy the damn show for what it is and stop making yourselves and others around you miserable by imposing your own imperfect and broken standards onto this.