Arab gay

Discover our selection of the most welcoming Arab countries for gay travellers: Oman, Jordan, Bahrain, Tunisia and Lebanon. Male same-sex activity is illegal and punishable by imprisonment in Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Oman, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates. It is also punishable by death in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

In Yemen and the Gaza Strip, the punishment might differ between death and imprisonment depending on the act committed. Lebanon has a fantastic gay scene (by Arab country standards!), it has the largest gay club of the Arab world (called POSH), it's the only Arab country that has a Pride event, and has a growing number of politicians that publicly campaign for the decriminalization of homosexuality.

As an Arab living

While five nations in the Arab region proscribe the death penalty for same-sex relations, homosexuality is not criminalized in Jordan. Whether Arab gays need the help of Westerners or not, it is an illusion to think that gays in the Arab world exist only by virtue of the modern West. Of course, gays know how to find each other, in both Western and Arab countries, despite different social rules, laws, and traditions.

Through a haze of shisha smoke and somewhat stifling sexual stigma, the Arab world unveils an unexpected realm of possibilities for intrepid gay travellers. If you can forgive the state-approved homophobia and are willing to act with discretion while out and about, the Arab countries can redeem themselves in a thousand and one different ways, from the ancient centre of Petra to the glittering epithets of Bahrain and into the deserts beyond.

While by and large closeted kingdoms, the handful of gay clubs in the progressive city of Beirut can allow you to be your true self, while the luxury international hotels across the region can ensure your privacy is respected. Join us as we track the 5 most gay-friendly Arab countries. At Mr Hudson, we understand that true luxury lies in the freedom to explore the world exactly as you envision it.

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. We celebrate the sophisticated traveler who appreciates understated elegance and meaningful discovery.

One of the slightly more tolerant countries in the region, Oman is said to have once had its own gay sultan — Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said — although the state press is quick to deny this as a capricious rumour! 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.

Much in the way of the Sultan, gay life here is to be led underground, due to the heavy penalties for homosexuality. In reality, the laws are rarely upheld except in high-profile cases, however, and gay Oman remains a perfectly safe place to visit. 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.

A beacon of hope in a region otherwise ensconced in conflict, Jordan is also much renowned as a centre of ancient hospitality, welcoming all sorts throughout history. Roman legions, Crusaders, Islamic armies and Nabataean merchants have all passed through the land, leaving behind many rich artefacts in their wake. Now you, avid explorer of gay Arab worlds, get to see these antiquities in all their majesty, moving from Roman Amphitheatre to Crusader castle with a sampling of early Christian art along the way.

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. Wherever you go in Jordan however you are in safe hands, as the country is both stable and more liberal in its LGBT laws. Home of the Dilmun empire and once the centre of the Gulf pearl trade, Bahrain has quite the iridescent history.

Regardless, stay discreet, and Bahrain will be your Oyster. On a small slip of land in Northernmost Africa, lies Tunisia, a nation of stunning landscapes and distinct cultures, neatly contrasted by both Saharan sands and balmy Mediterranean coastline. Tiny but mighty, the Mediterranean nation of Lebanon is where the Middle East and Europe enter a shared embrace, sharing worldly influences across time and space.

Avoid these occurrences and Lebanon will shine, thanks to its fantastic beach resorts not far from the capital as well as its mountain vistas, ancient ruins and more, all courteously attended by kindly Lebanese locals. Though social stigma rings true and the finest array of Arabian gays is likely to be found online hello Grindr, my old friend gay Lebanon is perhaps one of the few Arab nations where a tentative gay scene takes shape in real life.

If partying in Beirut be discreet at all times and stay aware of your surroundings particularly if outside late at night. Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze.

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