Fresh off the heels of their successful 2034 World Cup bid, Saudi Arabia has launched an ambitious attempt to bring the global LGBTQ+ festival World Pride to the desert in 2032.

‘We love hosting these big global events. They stimulate our burgeoning tourism industry, soften our image, and show the world the lighter side of our brutal Islamic dictatorship,’ said Mohamed El-Shawary, Minister for Sportswashing, speaking at the launch of their 2032 bid.

The ‘Saud Proud’ campaign, revealed to the public on Friday, has already drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups who’ve cited the Gulf State’s alarming treatment of homosexuals, though former Liverpool star Jordan Henderson has backed the announcement, saying: ‘I’ll be there wearing my rainbow laces!’

In a country where homosexuality is still outlawed, the bid was initially seen by some as a forward-thinking move and a sign of Saudi softening its stance towards the LGBTQ community. However, sources within the Saudi government have since revealed that their bid was submitted by mistake.

Sources say they intended to bring the Pride Fighting Championships to the Gulf but after learning that the Japanese MMA promotion was now defunct, red-faced officials were left with potential PR nightmare on their hands, one that could have repercussions on a global scale.

Unwilling to take responsibility for the error, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman eventually confirmed that the event would go ahead, releasing a statement dispelling rumours of an accidental bid, saying: ‘Of course, we meant to do it’, and that, ‘I too have whipped a few men in my time.’

As anticipated, several restrictions will still be imposed during the celebrations – genders are likely to be segregated throughout the two-day event, with women permitted to express their homosexuality on Saturday and men on Sunday.

Those breaching guidelines were to be issued a public flogging but following careful consideration from Saudi lawmakers, the suggestion was axed, due to concerns the punishments would send revellers into a BDSM frenzy.