Saudi Arabia reassures LGBTQ+ visitors ahead of 2034 World Cup
Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup in 2034 (Getty Images)
Saudi Arabia is attempting to reassure LGBTQ+ visitors ahead of hosting the 2034 World Cup, even though homosexuality remains criminalised and potentially punishable by death in the kingdom.
The Gulf state has spent recent years softening its image under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, allowing women to drive, reopening cinemas and welcoming non-Muslim tourists.
US LGBTQ+ travel company VACAYA has announced an “Arabian Nights” cruise for spring 2027, sailing from Jeddah to Egypt.
As per Vanguard, the company said “for decades, LGBTQ+ visitors could scarcely imagine setting foot in the Kingdom,” but argued a “quiet but notable shift” had emerged ahead of the tournament.
Officials insist everyone will be welcome at the World Cup, with the official Visit Saudi website stating: “Everyone is welcome,” while asking visitors to “respect our culture and traditions and follow our laws”.
“There are two Saudi Arabias: one meant for foreigners, more tolerant and more open, and another meant for citizens,” said Saudi activist and lawyer Tariq Aziz, who says he was detained in 2021-22 for “promoting homosexuality” before being granted refugee status in the US.
Observers say authorities tend to turn a blind eye to same-sex relationships as long as they stay private. Still, Amnesty notes that publicly supporting LGBTQ+ rights “is criminalised and could land you in prison”.
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