LGBT+ Friendly Destinations in Aţ Ţā’if, Makkah al Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia
1. Al-Ahsa Oasis
A lush oasis with date palm groves and historic mud-brick houses, offering a peaceful retreat for LGBT+ travelers.
- Inclusive Accommodation: Provides LGBT+-friendly hotels and guesthouses
- Cultural Exploration: Allows visitors to experience local customs and traditions in a safe and accepting environment
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning landscapes, flora, and fauna for outdoor enthusiasts
2. Dar Al-Hekma University
A female-only university fostering a progressive environment that welcomes LGBT+ students and staff.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides quality education for women in various fields
- Community Building: Promotes a supportive and inclusive community among its members
- Safety Measures: Implemented safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all students and staff
3. Al-Ahsa Zoo
A zoological garden featuring a diverse range of animals, offering an educational and entertaining experience for LGBT+ travelers.
- Wildlife Conservation: Contributes to the conservation and breeding of endangered species
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about animal behavior, habitat, and threats
- Accessibility: Provides wheelchair-accessible paths for those with mobility challenges
4. Qaisariyah Souq
A traditional marketplace offering local handicrafts, spices, and textiles. A great place for LGBT+ travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows visitors to interact with locals and learn about their customs
- Shopping Opportunities: Offers a variety of unique shopping options for souvenirs and gifts
- Authentic Cuisine: Provides delicious local dishes for food enthusiasts
5. Al-Ahsa Museum
A museum showcasing the history and culture of the region. Offers a safe space for LGBT+ travelers to learn about local heritage.
- Historical Insights: Displays artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that provide historical context
- Cultural Education: Offers educational programs about the region's history, traditions, and customs
- Accessibility: Provides wheelchair-accessible paths for those with mobility challenges
6. Al-Ahsa National Park
A protected area featuring diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Offers LGBT+ travelers the opportunity to connect with nature in a beautiful setting.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases breathtaking landscapes, flora, and fauna
- Educational Opportunities: Provides information about the park's ecosystems and conservation efforts
- Adventure Activities: Offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife spotting
7. Al-Ahsa Art Gallery
A contemporary art gallery showcasing the works of local and regional artists. Offers LGBT+ travelers a chance to appreciate diverse artistic expressions.
- Artistic Appreciation: Displays a wide range of contemporary artworks
- Local Art Scene: Promotes local artists and artistic movements
- Art Education: Offers educational programs about the artworks on display
8. Al-Ahsa Theater
A performing arts venue offering a diverse range of shows, including drama, music, and dance. Offers LGBT+ travelers an opportunity to enjoy local and international performances.
- Performing Arts: Provides a platform for local and international artists
- Cultural Immersion: Allows visitors to experience local and international performing arts
- Art Education: Offers educational programs about the performances on display
9. Al-Ahsa Botanical Garden
A beautiful oasis featuring a variety of plant species and tranquil walking paths. Offers LGBT+ travelers a peaceful escape from the bustle of city life.
- Natural Beauty: Showcases stunning landscapes, flora, and fauna
- Educational Opportunities: Provides information about the plants and their conservation efforts
- Relaxation: Offers a peaceful sanctuary for visitors to unwind and relax
10. Al-Ahsa Planetarium
A state-of-the-art observatory offering stargazing sessions and educational programs about astronomy. Offers LGBT+ travelers a unique opportunity to explore the cosmos.
- Cosmic Exploration: Provides educational programs about space, stars, and galaxies
- Stargazing Opportunities: Offers stargazing sessions for visitors to enjoy the night sky
- Accessibility: Provides wheelchair-accessible paths and telescopes for those with visual impairments
11. Al-Ahsa Aquarium
A marine life center showcasing a variety of aquatic creatures. Offers LGBT+ travelers an entertaining and educational experience.
- Marine Life Conservation: Contributes to the conservation and breeding of marine species
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about marine biology, habitats, and threats
- Accessibility: Provides wheelchair-accessible paths for those with mobility challenges
12. Al-Ahsa Falaj System
An ancient irrigation system that provides water to the oasis. Offers LGBT+ travelers a chance to explore local history and engineering feats.
- Historical Insights: Displays an intricate network of underground canals and reservoirs
- Cultural Education: Offers educational programs about the history and significance of the falaj system
- Accessibility: Provides wheelchair-accessible paths for those with mobility challenges
13. Al-Ahsa Desert Safari
A guided tour through the desert dunes, offering a thrilling experience for LGBT+ travelers seeking adventure.
- Adventure Activities: Offers opportunities for sandboarding, quad biking, and camel riding
- Desert Exploration: Provides a unique opportunity to explore the desert landscapes and wildlife
- Accessibility: Offers wheelchair-accessible transportation for those with mobility challenges
14. Al-Ahsa Night Market
A vibrant marketplace selling food, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Offers LGBT+ travelers a chance to socialize with locals and experience the local culture.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows visitors to interact with locals and learn about their customs
- Shopping Opportunities: Offers a variety of unique shopping options for souvenirs and gifts
- Authentic Cuisine: Provides delicious local dishes for food enthusiasts
15. Al-Ahsa Gay Friendly Bars & Clubs
Establishments that cater to the LGBT+ community, offering a safe and accepting space for socializing and entertainment.
- LGBT+ Community Building: Provides a platform for the LGBT+ community to connect and socialize
- Entertainment Opportunities: Offers a variety of events, such as live music, DJ sets, and dance nights
- Safe Space: Ensures the safety and wellbeing of all patrons