Israel has announced plans to host the Middle East’s largest-ever LGBTQ+ festival at the Dead Sea from June 1 to June 4, 2026. Dubbed “Pride Land,” the event aims to create a vibrant, 24-hour city in the heart of the Judean Desert.
The festival will feature 15 hotels, beach complexes, live performances, cultural and art installations, relaxation zones, and family-friendly activities including children’s workshops and tailored events for all ages. Organizers described it as a “multigenerational Pride City” that operates continuously throughout the day and night.
Aaron Cohen, the festival’s main producer and initiator, stated: “This isn’t just another festival. It’s the biggest thing we’ve done here.” He added, “We chose to grow—to take an investment of millions, purchase entire hotels for four days, and build a city from scratch in the middle of the desert.”
Israel’s official social media account noted: “Pride rises at the lowest place on earth,” emphasizing that the Dead Sea will become “the biggest LGBTQ+ festival ever in the Middle East” during the four-day celebration. While Tel Aviv has long been recognized as Israel’s hub for Pride events, including its annual Gay Pride Week culminating in a large parade on June 12, this new initiative represents a significant expansion of Israel’s commitment to fostering inclusive celebrations across the region.