Israel will 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 “Pride City” in the middle of the Judean Desert.

The festival will feature 15 hotels, beach complexes, parties, and a central performance arena operating continuously for four days. Attendees can enjoy cultural and art installations, relaxation areas, family-friendly workshops, children’s activities, and customized events designed for all ages.

Aaron Cohen, the festival’s main producer and initiator, stated: “This is not just another festival, it’s the biggest thing we’ve done here.” He described the ambitious project as requiring millions in investment to purchase entire hotels for four days and build a temporary city from scratch in the desert.

The organizers highlight the symbolic significance of the Dead Sea location with the phrase: “Pride rises at the lowest place on earth,” a line previously shared by Israel’s official X account. While Tel Aviv remains Israel’s hub for Pride events, including its annual Gay Pride Week culminating in a parade on June 12, this festival aims to establish the Dead Sea as a permanent destination for LGBTQ+ tourists.