Saudi Arabia is showing signs of easing its approach toward LGBTQ visitors as it prepares to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with an LGBTQ-focused cruise scheduled to depart from the Red Sea city of Jeddah in 2027.
The move comes as the kingdom continues efforts to expand tourism and improve its global image through a series of social and economic reforms.
US-based LGBTQ travel company VACAYA has announced its "Arabian Nights" cruise, which will sail from Jeddah to Ain Sokhna, Egypt, in spring 2027. The company said the trip reflects a shift in Saudi Arabia's approach to international visitors, noting that guests of all identities are welcome as long as they respect local customs and laws.
The cruise will operate aboard the Emerald Kaia luxury yacht, with cabin prices ranging from $9,900 to $57,000.
Saudi authorities did not respond to requests for comment on the planned cruise. However, officials have consistently maintained that all visitors will be welcome during the 2034 World Cup.
The country's official tourism website, Visit Saudi, addresses the question of whether LGBTQ visitors are welcome by stating that "everyone is welcome" while urging visitors to respect Saudi culture, traditions and laws. It also says visitors are not required to disclose personal information and that their privacy will be respected.
Saudi Arabia has introduced a number of reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including allowing women to drive, reopening cinemas and expanding the tourism sector to non-Muslim visitors. The influence of the religious police has also been significantly reduced.
Despite these changes, homosexuality remains illegal under Saudi law. While the country does not have a comprehensive written penal code, legal experts say enforcement can vary depending on individual cases.
Human rights groups have continued to raise concerns over LGBTQ rights in the kingdom. Amnesty International says it has not documented any recent executions related to homosexuality, although it notes that public advocacy for LGBTQ rights can still lead to prosecution.
Saudi activist Tariq Aziz described the planned cruise as evidence of different standards for foreigners and citizens.
"There are two Saudi Arabias: one meant for foreigners—more tolerant and more open—and another meant for citizens, where freedoms and rights remain more restricted," Aziz told AFP.
Aziz, who said he was detained between 2021 and 2022 on charges that included promoting homosexuality through social media posts, has since been granted refugee status in the United States.
He said LGBTQ Saudis continue to need legal protections against discrimination and persecution.
Saudi Arabia's selection as host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup drew criticism from rights groups over the country's LGBTQ policies, similar to concerns raised before Qatar hosted the 2022 tournament.
While observers say Saudi authorities often avoid intervening in private same-sex relationships, public support for LGBTQ rights remains restricted, according to Amnesty International.
The kingdom is expected to continue balancing its efforts to attract international visitors with its conservative legal and social framework as preparations for the 2034 World Cup progress.
