Gay arabs

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A clear winner for its LGBTQ freedoms, Lebanon is also hard to beat for its lively gay scene and diversity of spirit.

But here I am, back from a week in Saudi Arabia with more dates (the fruit kind, obviously) than I’ve ever had on a Friday night in gay Berlin.

Let’s address the fabulous, rainbow-striped elephant in the room: Saudi Arabia is not the first destination that springs to mind when you think of “gay travel”!

gay arabs

Israel/Tel Aviv is well-known as the gay capital of the Middle East. Our curated collection of exceptional properties and experiences speaks to those who seek refinement in every moment—whether discovering hidden gems in storied cities, unwinding at distinguished resorts, or sailing aboard elegant vessels. It’s an immersive, interactive space where light, sound, and motion blur together—and yes, it’s as mind-bendingly beautiful as it sounds.

Looking for a gay-friendly tour guide in Saudi Arabia?

We’ve got you covered…quietly, of course.

I chose this GetYourGuide Edge of the World tour because the reviews referred to the guide's photography and drone. Petra, in particular, is the crowning glory of Jordan, protected within sandstone cliffs and offering an unrivalled collection of monuments, including the defining Siq to the Treasury on an ethereal desert site of red rock and dunes known as Wadi Rum.

While the southeast is firmly Laurence of Arabia meets The Martian territory, journey across the nation to glimpse other points of interest, like the lowest point on earth – the salt sea – as well as various seasonal canyons and oases quenching arid land.

Rich in both cultural customs and oil money, Oman rolls out the finest patterned carpets (including the second-largest rug in the world within Muscat’s Grand Mosque!), leading visitors towards heritage architecture, frankincense marketplaces and traditional towns where humble living coincides with pristine landscapes of mountain, desert and coastline entwined.

What’s safe for us might not be safe for them. I will not hate Americans. But to me, it’s just something that I could dream of. Shorts are fine in touristy areas, but opt for trousers and covered shoulders when visiting religious buildings like mosques. Can you elaborate?

It is a luxury. Always verify the latest regulations before traveling, as policies can change.​”

What are the best foods to try in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and packed with centuries of tradition.

It helps us keep our blog going – so thank you in advance for your support! Nevertheless, the unofficial gossip is that the former sultan leads a lavish gay lifestyle within his palace, divorced from his wife and enjoying the occasional English lover. But until today, we don’t have one law to protect us. During the day, most businesses are closed because of the heat.

If partying in Beirut be discreet at all times and stay aware of your surroundings particularly if outside late at night. By visiting respectfully, we’re not turning a blind eye to injustice, we’re supporting local economies, creating moments of connection, and maybe even helping shift perceptions.

So is it moral? Prep now, slay later, and make every destination your runway.

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Best places to visit and top experiences in Saudi Arabia

From ancient wonders to jaw-dropping landscapes, Saudi Arabia is full of surprises.

But travel isn’t always about endorsing a government, it’s about connecting with people, sharing cultures, and sometimes gently challenging assumptions just by showing up.

The reality? Fear for my country, fear for my family, and fear for myself. It's an actual thing for them, deep-rooted in their mentality, to make all guests feel welcome.

And it’s exactly that tension that makes it so fascinating to explore…even for gay travelers.

Is Saudi Arabia safe for gay travelers?

Let’s be clear: Saudi Arabia still criminalizes same-sex relationships, and public LGBTQ+ expression remains illegal.