Saudi Arabia is showing tentative signs of seeking to reassure LGBTQ visitors ahead of hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, with an LGBTQ-focused cruise scheduled to depart from the Red Sea city of Jeddah in 2027.
The ultra-conservative Gulf kingdom, home to Islam’s two holiest sites, has in recent years embarked on a series of social and economic reforms aimed at improving its international image. These include allowing women to drive, reopening cinemas and expanding its tourism sector to welcome international visitors.
Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, the influence of the religious police has been significantly reduced, while authorities have adopted a less confrontational tone on several social issues.
Although same-sex relationships remain criminalised under Saudi law, officials have repeatedly said that all visitors will be welcome during the 2034 FIFA World Cup, provided they respect the country’s laws and cultural traditions.
In a development seen as reflecting that message, US-based LGBTQ travel company VACAYA has announced an “Arabian Nights” luxury cruise scheduled for spring 2027. The voyage will sail from Jeddah to Ain Sokhna in Egypt aboard the Emerald Kaia superyacht.
On its website, the company said the cruise would allow LGBTQ travellers to “make and live history,” noting that Saudi Arabia is attempting to reshape its global image ahead of the World Cup.
VACAYA also stated that visitors of all identities are welcome in the kingdom, provided they observe local customs.
Saudi authorities did not respond to AFP’s request for comment on the cruise.
However, the official tourism portal, Visit Saudi, states that “everyone is welcome” to visit the kingdom. The website adds that visitors are not required to disclose personal information and that their privacy will be respected, while urging tourists to comply with local laws and traditions.
Saudi Arabia faced international scrutiny over its human rights record and LGBTQ policies after being awarded the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup in late 2024.
The kingdom’s laws continue to criminalise same-sex relations under its interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.
While Amnesty International ranks Saudi Arabia among the countries with the highest number of executions globally, the organisation has not reported any recent executions related to LGBTQ offences.
