Skip to content
ShreddER

ShreddER

Skateboarding News, Skate Videos & Industry Reports

  • About Us
  • Disclaimer
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • News

Saudi Minister Wants to Host The Olympics But LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Remains Unclear

Saudi x Olympics Coming soon
ShreddER February 27, 2025
Saudi Minister Wants to Host The Olympics
Credit: Maja Hitij; Getty

Saudi Arabia has big dreams of hosting major global events, with the Olympics at the top of the list.

According to reports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal Al Saud, the Sports Minister, recently said that bringing the Games to Saudi Arabia is an "ultimate goal." But there's still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to the country’s policies, especially around LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

The kingdom has been hosting major global sporting events, spending big on boxing, Formula One, and esports.

They’re getting ready to host the 2034 Asian Games in Riyadh, which Prince Abdulaziz sees as a stepping stone to eventually bidding for the Summer Olympics.

He argues that Saudi Arabia has shown it can handle these events, but critics say this push is more about improving the country’s global image than making real progress.

LGBTQIA+ Last Supper Olympics
Via: olympics.com

Despite the excitement, there's a huge issue hanging over all these plans. Saudi Arabia has strict laws against LGBTQIA+ rights, raising questions about how it would comply with the Olympics' non-discrimination rules.

The Olympic Charter clearly states that discrimination based on sexual orientation is not allowed, which could create a major obstacle if Saudi Arabia moves forward with a serious bid.

The nation hasn't escaped criticism for its human rights record either. A recent case involved activist Salma al Shehab, who was sentenced to 34 years in prison for social media posts advocating reform.

Incidents like this add to concerns that Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for hosting global events are more about managing its image rather than driving real change.

Still, Prince Abdulaziz believes the country is making progress. He stated, “We're progressing, we're moving towards a better society. Hosting these events benefits our people and these changes that are happening.”

Continue Reading

Previous: Tony Hawk Hints at Major “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” Announcement Dropping March 4
Next: Skate Icon Heath Kirchart Breaks Down His Most Brutal Slams

In Case You Missed It

  • Pierre André SenizerguesPierre André Senizergues Sells etnies, éS & Emerica to Corporate Giant Nidecker Group
  • Bam Margera x FTPBam Margera Models For F*CK THE POPULATION Straitjacket Collection
  • Lil Gnar KickflipSkater Rapper Lil Gnar Drops New Single “Got Da Sack” w/ G Herbo
  • Dustin Dollin Living The Life in BaliPD Legend Dustin Dollin Living The Life in Bali w/ The Televisi Star & Sex Skateboards Crew
  • Eric Koston at The Olympic MuseumEric Koston Explores Skateboarding’s Historic Rise at The Olympic Museum
Copyright © 2025 ShreddER. All rights reserved. All images are © to their respective owners.