Israel to Host Largest Middle East LGBTQ Festival in 2026

Israel is set to host the largest LGBTQ festival in the Middle East's history next summer, transforming the Dead Sea region into a vibrant temporary city for four days of nonstop celebrations. The event, known as Pride Land, will take place from June 1 to June 4, 2026, in the Judean Desert, featuring performances, cultural activities and community gatherings amid the area's dramatic landscape.

Organizers plan to create an immersive experience by booking 15 hotels, setting up beach venues and constructing a central performance stage that operates around the clock. The festival will include headline acts by Israeli artists such as Dana International, Harel Skaat, Ivri Lider and others, alongside DJ sets from the local LGBTQ scene. Beyond nightlife, the program incorporates family-friendly elements like children's activities, workshops, art installations and relaxation zones, aiming to appeal to a multigenerational audience. "This is not just another festival; it's the biggest thing we've done here," said Aaron Cohen, the event's lead producer. "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...