Traveling to arab countries is not exotic these days, as more and more people are doing that when they want to experience incredible metropolises and the highest level of service. You should be ready to enjoy incredible architecture, save cities, and a very interesting culture. If you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community and want to travel to this region, no reason to get worried. But you might still have certain questions left:
- How safe is it to show emotions in public?
- What are the behaviour rules?
- How to choose comfortable housing?
- What is the best way to move through the city – on foot or by renting a vehicle?
Getting all of these answered allows you to chill, as you will know what to do if something unexpected happens. Make no mistake about it – the Arab world is diverse. Different countries have their own rules to follow, and the tourist infrastructure is more liberal in some instances and conservative to the max in others.
This is a practical guide for gay and other members of the LGBTQ+ community travelers. If you are planning a trip to one of the Arab countries, you can avoid awkward situations and be completely safe from the mixed reactions of residents.
The Main Rule – Respect For Local Laws And Culture
Before traveling, it is worth remembering that in some Arab countries, the rules can be very different from those in Europe or America. This is not just about LGBTQ+ – questions often arise around clothing, behavior on the street, alcohol, and public displays of affection.
Even if the tourists around you seem to be getting away with anything, it is best not to push your luck. Just because something worked for someone does not mean it will always work that way.
Which Countries Are Considered More «Friendly» To Tourists?
There are a lot of popular destinations among Arab countries with highly developed tourism industries and people accustomed to foreigners:
- The UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi). If you are looking for the most travel-friendly places in the region, you should come here. The level of service and safety is pretty high here. Do not make mistakes about it – behavioral norms are still conservative here.
- Jordan. This is a more relaxed and welcoming country. Members of the LGBTQ+ community should be aware that this theme is still sensitive here.
- Morocco. Another tourist point with a unique culture and a lot of places for travelers to visit, but there are still certain risks about public openness.
- Bahrain. While it is the most liberal place among all Arab countries, it is still not a country where you can feel that «everything is allowed» and you should act accordingly.
The same can be said about these places can be said about Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. They can be characterized by strict rules – it is important to be well-prepared and act with caution. In other words, the best recommendation to follow is to maintain a neutral behavior, no matter which country you are about to visit.
Transportation In Arab Countries – Why Renting A Car Is Often More Convenient Than A Taxi
For a lot of people who visit Arab countries, especially the UAE, the comfort of a personal car is the number one priority. It is always a better idea to rent ferrari Dubai than use public transport here. It gives you a freedom to choose a route, you are not tied to the schedule of the bus is going to be or you are not going to spend additional time waiting for a taxi. If you feel like you do not like the place you are currently at and it is uncomfortable for you to stay there, just get into the car and get out of there without any problems.
It is especially important to note that in large cities like Dubai, distances can be long and the heat intense. Therefore, walking is not for everyone. If we talk about how the good quality rental service should work, just look for the following:
- The vehicle can be delivered to any location, eliminating the need to spend time at the office or waiting.
- Payment by cash, card, or cryptocurrency, which allows travelers to choose a convenient option.
- A full tank of gas is included to eliminate the need to look for gas immediately after picking up the car.
- A dedicated manager who quickly resolves issues and helps without bureaucracy.
- A driver is available if needed, if you do not want to drive yourself or plan evening trips.
- 300+ km per day is included in the rental, ensuring sufficient travel time for both city and out-of-town trips.
- VAT is included in the rental price, ensuring a clear and unsurprising price.
Such a pack of services is very important for tourists, who value predictability, safety, and comfort, no matter what orientation they have. For members of the LGBTQ+ community, this is an opportunity to lower the stress level and ability to feel the control on the trip.
Public Displays Of Affection – What Is Acceptable
One of the most common questions among gay travelers is whether it’s safe to display affection in public: holding hands, hugging, kissing. Most Arab countries are strict about such behavior, and this applies not only to same-sex couples. It is best to avoid kissing and «too close» hugs in public.
The simplest option is to behave discreetly:
- No kissing in public.
- Hugs should be neutral at most.
- In non-tourist areas, it is best to appear as just friends.
In hotels and restaurants, staff are often very polite, but on the street and in public places, the rules remain the same.
Documents, Phone And Digital Security
Before the trip, you just need to quickly check your phone and social media. Most likely, nothing will happen, as travelers are rarely checked. But if you feel like it is best to keep a low profile, it is easier to prepare in advance.
What you can do:
- Hide details that might raise questions from public access on social media.
- If you have dating apps, turn off visibility/geolocation or simply hide them.
- Enable proper security – PIN, Face ID, encryption, and backup.
- Use a VPN only where appropriate and legal (in some countries, the rules are murky).
It is also convenient to keep copies of documents on your phone: passport, insurance, and accommodation reservations.
Accommodation – How to Choose a Hotel Without Stress
Among the top questions people have when they are traveling to one of these countries is how to choose a hotel without being stressed about it. In tourist cities, most of the time, the personnel of the hotel are not going to have any questions about your orientation, but there are no guarantees that you are not going to face any nuances.
Among the recommendations:
- Choose international hotel chains or trusted aparthotels.
- Read recent traveler reviews.
- Avoid situations that are «on the edge» – for example, demonstrative behavior at reception.
- If you are anxious, book a twin room to reduce the risk of unnecessary questions.
Following these simple recommendations is guaranteed to make you feel more comfortable.
Interacting With Locals – Friendliness Does Not Give Permission To Be Frank
In many Arab countries, people are truly open and welcoming: they might strike up a conversation on the street, help you out, or invite you for tea. This is usually normal and unintentional.
But there is a catch: friendliness does not mean inviting you to discuss personal matters. It is best not to discuss relationships or sexual orientation and to respond as neutrally as possible. This is not about «hiding», but simply respecting local etiquette.
What To Do If You Become Scared Or a Conflict Occurs
The most important thing is not to panic. Most Arab countries treat tourists well and try to avoid problems, but if something does go wrong, it is best to simply leave the situation and avoid escalation. Do not argue or try to «prove your case» in the heat of the moment. If necessary, go to reception or the hotel administrator. And if you feel a real threat, use an official taxi and do not hesitate to contact the police. Just in case, save the contact information for your embassy/consulate in advance. And yes, travel insurance is a must-have – it is best not to travel without it.
