Mark your calendars with these 11 Middle East festivals

There's something about festivals that bring about a true sense of joy. Maybe it's the huge crowds, maybe it's the food, maybe it's the music.

Whatever it is, festivals happen all year round in music, art, sports and film and they effortlessly spread those good vibes. Going to these festivals is like an investment, really. You go to one, and you're left with all sorts of good feels for at least a week after that.

If you're in the mood for food, tunes, or just a good time, mark your calendars with these 11 festivals:

Launched in 2014, RedFestDXB is now considered to be Dubai's biggest two-day music festival, bringing some of the hottest international artists to the city. The festival takes advantage of the awesome February weather, which makes everyone huddled in blankets and scarves wish they were in the GCC.

The festival also plays host to a number of regional food vendors.

Adam Lambert, Steve Aoki and Fifth Harmony were among the many that took the stage in 2016.

Since 2011, the WickerPark festival brought together the best of music and art. The festival highlights local and homegrown bands, hosting more than 4,000 people of all ages in its 2015 edition.

The festival also plays hosts to a number of NGOs, independent vendors, designers, crafters, and artists.

It's fresh new approach and we think it's just the place for you.

This organization is dedicated to promoting the cultural, visual and performing arts in Jordan, celebrating both international and local talent. Its aim is to make Jordan a premier cultural destination, making use of open air musical and theater performances, with Amman's Citadel hosting many of the performances in the summertime.

Since its first event in 2009, the Cairo Jazz Festival has grown to include musicians from all over the world. Their ultimate aim, the organizers say, is to spread the Jazz culture around the country. This festival is definitely worth flying in for.

An exclusive event by Lebanese food blogger NoGarlicNoOnion, this open air weekly food festival takes over a street in Downtown Beirut all year round (with few exceptions in the winter). In the summer, the festival heads up Mount Lebanon, setting up camp in several picturesque villages.

The festival plans to expand to Egypt really soon. Keep an eye out.

Now in its 10th year, Taste of Dubai is considered to be the city's favorite three-day food, drink and music festival.  From exclusive fine-dining restaurants to world class celebrity chefs, you'll wish you had more space in your belly for all that good stuff.

You can also watch live cooking demonstrations or cook along with top chefs. If you prefer to just sit back and indulge, that option is always available too!

From sizzling food to live entertainment acts to a cooking theater, QIFF is definitely the festival you wouldn't want to miss. In 2016, the festival brought about a culinary extravaganza at three different locations: MIA Park, Katara and The Pearl-Qatar.

No festival listicle is complete without the Beiteddine Festival. You may wanna think of it as overrated but just you wait until you watch your favorite musical act under a full moon that hangs like a pendant over the 200-year old palace. It'll restore your belief in clichés...

World Art Dubai is the region's ultimate platform for those looking to showcase accessible, inspirational and affordable art. The festival brings together regional and global artists from across Dubai's international community. The festival features various artists, both emerging or established. It's a one-stop shop of the region's art, really.

Art for Tomorrow brings world-famous artists and architects together with leading museum directors, urban developers, policy-makers and financiers to address critical issues that affect the region, and to assess their impact on the creative cities of tomorrow.

Founded in 1981 by Queen Nour the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts is an annual event. Part of the Jordan Festival, it aims to enrich cultural activities in the kingdom. The festival is known to feature performances by Jordanian, Arab and foreign artists.