Can Saudi Arabia truly welcome all visitors despite strict anti-LGBTQ laws?

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Saudi Arabia's Stance on Welcoming All Visitors Amidst Anti-LGBTQ Laws

Saudi Arabia is projecting an image of openness to all visitors, including LGBTQ individuals, in anticipation of hosting the 2034 World Cup. This effort to rebrand the conservative kingdom involves social reforms and a softened public rhetoric, exemplified by the official tourism website stating "Everyone is welcome." However, this inclusive messaging exists alongside deeply entrenched laws that criminalise homosexuality, creating a complex and potentially contradictory environment for international visitors.
Official Messaging Emphasizes Inclusivity for Tourism

The Saudi tourism authority, through its official website Visit Saudi, has explicitly addressed the question of LGBTQ visitors. The site's Frequently Asked Questions section states, "Everyone is welcome," and further elaborates that visitors are not required to disclose personal information and their right to privacy will be respected. This communication aims to reassure potential tourists that they will be accepted in the country, especially in the context of major international events like the World Cup. This aligns with broader social reforms initiated under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which have included allowing women to drive and reintroducing cinemas, as the kingdom seeks to position itself as a global destination.
Legal Framework Remains Restrictive for LGBTQ Individuals

Despite the welcoming rhetoric for tourists, homosexuality remains a criminalised offense in Saudi Arabia, with the potential for capital punishment under the kingdom's strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law. The judicial system, which does not possess a comprehensive written penal code for all offenses, allows for potentially vague enforcement. While Amnesty International has not recorded recent executions specifically linked to LGBTQ offenses, the country has ranked high globally for executions over the past three years. This legal reality creates a significant dichotomy between the image Saudi Arabia wishes to project for tourism and the rights and protections afforded to LGBTQ individuals within the country.
Concerns of a "Two Saudi Arabias" Dynamic

Activists highlight a potential double standard, describing the existence of "two Saudi Arabias." One version is presented to foreigners, appearing more tolerant and open, particularly for tourism and major events. The other is perceived to be far more conservative and restrictive for its own citizens, where freedoms are curtailed in accordance with religious norms. While some privileged Saudis may be able to subtly push boundaries in certain social settings, and discreet same-sex relationships are believed to be tolerated if kept private, any public advocacy for LGBTQ rights is criminalised and can lead to imprisonment. This has been exemplified by cases documented in 2022, which were categorized by observers as freedom of expression issues rather than direct crackdowns on the LGBTQ community.

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Can Saudi Arabia truly welcome all visitors despite strict anti-LGBTQ laws?

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