Saudi Arabia claims to ‘welcome’ LGBTQI+ tourists

Saudi Arabia has updated its official advice to LGBTQI+ travellers on its tourist website, visitsaudi.com, indicating that it welcomes LGBTQI+s to the country. 

This comes despite the fact that the kingdom is known for its appalling track record on LGBTQI+ rights and the treatment of queer residents. 

The website's help section now answers the question, "Are LGBT visitors welcome in Saudi Arabia?" stating, "We don't ask anyone to disclose personal details and never have. Everyone is welcome to visit our country." 

However, homosexuality remains punishable by death in the country, and Twitter users were quick to point out the irony of welcoming a community while simultaneously criminalising it.

Powered by Froala Editor