Threats from Islamist groups failed to derail the Arab world’s first LGBT Pride week, which ended in Beirut on Sunday.

In a country where homosexual acts remain illegal, some 4,000 people attended more than a dozen events -- including conferences, parties and workshops -- that took place both inside and outside Beirut under the banner of Beirut Pride.

On Saturday night, the rainbow flag, an internationally recognised symbol of gay rights, flew high outside 18 bars in Mar Mikhael, a popular nightlife district of the Lebanese capital.

The flag also flew during the week outside the British and Dutch embassies in Beirut.