Dubai will celebrate Korean culture this September with the inaugural Dubai K-Fest 2026, a 10-day citywide festival featuring K-pop concerts, Korean cinema, K-beauty, fashion, food, shopping and cultural experiences.

Running from September 25 to October 4 under the theme ‘Discover Korea in Dubai’, the festival will bring Korean entertainment, brands and experiences to destinations across the city.

The event is organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), with support from the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) UAE Business Center and KOREA 360.

K-Fest will open on 25 September at Dubai Festival City Mall with a free concert at Festival Bay.

The evening begins with the IMAGINE Show at 7:30pm, followed by a live concert from 8pm featuring South Korean solo artist Kwon Eunbi, a former member of K-pop group IZ*ONE, and boy band ONEUS.

The concert, presented by Dubai Calendar, will mark ONEUS’ first global stage following the release of its 12th mini album, ‘FIRST LIGHT’, giving international fans an early opportunity to experience the group’s latest music live.

The entertainment programme continues on 26 September with Korean dancers and choreographers AIKI and Choi Young-jun taking the stage from 8pm at Dubai Festival City Mall.

AIKI is known for her appearance on Street Woman Fighter and as leader of dance crew HOOK, while Choi Young-jun has worked on choreography for performances by leading K-pop artists.

Beyond live entertainment, K-Fest will feature four key pillars: Celebrate Korea, Shop Korea, Win Korea and Taste Korea.

The programme will include Korean movie nights, beauty and fashion experiences, dining opportunities, cultural showcases, shopping promotions and prizes.

The festival reflects the growing international influence of Korean popular culture while highlighting Dubai’s role as a destination where different cultures and global trends converge.

It also provides a platform for Korean artists, creators, brands and businesses to engage with Dubai’s diverse resident and visitor communities.

Organisers said the festival will give audiences the opportunity to explore Korean culture across multiple aspects, from entertainment and cuisine to beauty, fashion and retail, without leaving the city.

With its combination of live performances, cultural experiences and citywide activations, Dubai K-Fest 2026 is set to introduce a broad programme of Korean-themed experiences across Dubai while strengthening cultural and commercial connections between Korea and the emirate. -TradeArabia News Service