How does Saudi Arabia’s “everyone is welcome” message square with criminalised homosexuality?

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Saudi Arabia's "Everyone Is Welcome" Stance and Criminalized Homosexuality: A Complex Dichotomy

Saudi Arabia's messaging of "everyone is welcome," particularly in the lead-up to the 2034 World Cup, presents a complex dichotomy when juxtaposed with the criminalization of homosexuality within the kingdom. While the official tourism website, Visit Saudi, explicitly states "Everyone is welcome" and emphasizes respect for privacy, the legal framework of Saudi Arabia continues to criminalize homosexual acts, with potential capital offenses under its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law. This situation highlights a perceived double standard where foreign visitors may experience a more tolerant environment compared to citizens, who face severe restrictions on freedoms and rights concerning LGBTQ+ issues.
Official Reassurance Amidst Legal Restrictions

In anticipation of hosting major international events like the 2034 World Cup, Saudi authorities have adopted a more inclusive public stance. The Visit Saudi website's Frequently Asked Questions section directly addresses the welcome of LGBT visitors, stating, "Everyone is welcome." It further elaborates by asking visitors to respect local customs and laws while assuring them that their personal information is not required and their privacy will be respected. This carefully worded approach aims to reassure potential international visitors, including the LGBTQ+ community, while acknowledging the existing legal and cultural landscape.
The Legal Reality of Homosexuality in Saudi Arabia

Despite the welcoming rhetoric for tourists, homosexuality remains a criminal offense in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom's judicial system is based on a strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law, which considers homosexual acts a capital offense. While Saudi Arabia has seen significant social reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, such as the reintroduction of cinemas and increased rights for women, these changes have not extended to decriminalizing homosexual acts. The enforcement of these laws can be vague due to the absence of a comprehensive written penal code for all crimes.
Duality of Saudi Arabia for Foreigners and Citizens

Saudi activists and observers point to a distinct duality in how Saudi Arabia operates for foreigners versus its own citizens. While foreign visitors are encouraged to visit and are assured of a welcoming environment, particularly during large-scale international events, Saudi citizens face a more conservative reality. Supporting LGBT rights or being vocal about them is criminalized and can lead to imprisonment. For instance, Saudi activist Tariq Aziz was detained for "promoting homosexuality" and for social media posts deemed harmful to public order, religious values, and public morals, eventually receiving refugee status in the United States.
Shifting Image and International Scrutiny

The kingdom's efforts to soften its image and attract international tourism, especially in the context of hosting the 2034 World Cup, are evident. This mirrors the approach taken by Qatar during its hosting of the 2022 World Cup, which also faced criticism regarding its LGBTQ+ policies. While Amnesty International has not recorded recent LGBTQ-related executions, the fundamental legal status of homosexuality as a potential capital offense remains unchanged. The presence of events like a queer cruise scheduled to visit Jeddah in 2027 signifies a calculated move to engage with a broader international audience, even as the underlying legal framework persists.

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How does Saudi Arabia’s “everyone is welcome” message square with criminalised homosexuality?

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