Israel will host the Middle East’s largest-ever LGBTQ+ festival at the Dead Sea in June 2026, The Jerusalem Post reports.

“The new festival, Pride Land, intends to transform the middle of the Judean Desert into a colorful pride city from June 1 to June 4,” the outlet stated.

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The event intends to create an experience broader than parties or performances, instead aiming for a space that is alive 24 hours a day, with 15 hotels, beach complexes, parties, and a central performance arena all operating around the clock.

Alongside the nightlife, Pride Land will have cultural and art complexes, relaxation and scenic areas, and family-friendly areas with children’s activities, family-friendly workshops, and customized events.

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The organizers hope to create a multigenerational “Pride City,” not just a party celebrating pride. “This is not just another festival, it’s the biggest thing we’ve done here,” explained Aaron Cohen, main producer and initiator of the festival.

“Pride rises at the lowest place on earth,” stated Israel’s official X account, ran by Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

“This June the Dead Sea becomes Pride Land, the biggest LGBTQ+ festival ever in the Middle East. Four days of nonstop celebration community and connection. Israel celebrates its LGBTQ+ community bigger than ever,” it continued.

“We chose to grow,” Cohen said, according to The Jerusalem Post.

“To take an investment of millions, purchase entire hotels for 4 days, and build a city from scratch in the middle of the desert. It’s an experience that lives 24/7, from quiet visits to nights of pride, with a living envelope of music and people,” Cohen added.

Although the festival will attempt to make the Dead Sea region a permanent fixture for LGBTQ+ tourists, Tel Aviv is Israel’s hub for Pride events.

Tourist Israel noted:

Tel Aviv Pride has become one of the biggest events of the year in Tel Aviv. Visitors from all over Israel and the world come out in full force to celebrate. The city lights up in color and energy, proving its reputation as the gay capital of the Middle East, and perhaps even one of the gay capitals of the World. Tel Aviv Gay Pride Week takes place every June, with a surge of gay-friendly events held across the city, culminating on Friday, June 12th, with the famed pride parade.

Join Israel’s vibrant 2-day Gay Pride event along Tel Aviv’s stunning beachfront promenade, the Herbert Samuel Boardwalk, featuring creative floats and live performances. The festivities will continue with an exciting party bash that lasts until sunset, just before the Sabbath. Nearly 300,000 locals, tourists, and visitors will march and dance in a joyous celebration of Gay Pride.

 

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