UAE hints at welcoming LGBTQA+ tourists on updated website

The website of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), in its updated Q&A section, when asked,“Is LGBT tourists welcome to visit Saudi Arabia?” Welcome to the United Arab Emirates.

according to a CNN reportsa response to one of the common problem Yes, “Everyone is welcome to visit Saudi Arabia, provided they observe and respect our culture, traditions and laws, just like any other country in the world. Like other governments, we do not ask personal questions of our visitors and we respect privacy right.”

Details of the update are still unclear. CNN As of March 14, the old version of the site had neither questions nor answers, the report said.

However, only time will tell if members of the LGBTQA+ community are willing to follow government regulations to travel to Arab countries where homosexual activity could cost them their lives.

“Studies show that they spend more in their destination than heterosexual couples and tend to travel more per year,” says Darren Burn, author of not in the officea luxury travel planning service for the LGBTQA+ community cited CNN.

“But what worries me is the reality of the destination. Are they saying same-sex couples can check into a hotel and get a double bed without a problem? My gut feeling is that’s not reality,” Burn further added.

A look at the UAE website reveals that the country is working on expanding its tourism industry. According to human rights researcher Nora Noralla, the UAE is trying to emulate Dubai and Qatar in terms of revenue.

“In Dubai, there are a lot of gay influencers, as long as you know the background of your area and respect the traditional culture and don’t show your gayness in any way, you’re fine,” she told CNN.

Opening the doors to the LGBTQA+ community will help change a mindset that has been governed by religious traditional values ​​for millions of years, Burn said.

“Mindsets never change without travel and tourists coming to destinations — as long as they can do so safely, LGBTQ+ travelers can break down barriers,” he said.