K-pop fans in the UAE are in for a major treat as two global stars, Chung Ha and Onew, are set to headline a free, one-night-only concert in Dubai as part of the ongoing e& DSF Nights during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).
The special performance will take place at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall, on Saturday, January 3, with the show starting at 8.30pm. Entry is completely free, making it one of the most exciting live music events of the season.
Chung Ha, one of K-pop’s most successful solo artists, is known for chart-topping hits such as Gotta Go, Snapping, and Roller Coaster, which together have amassed over 80 million streams on Spotify. A singer, dancer, and choreographer, she first rose to fame as part of the popular girl group I.O.I before launching a highly successful solo career. Fans can expect a high-energy and visually dynamic performance.
Joining her on stage is Onew, best known as one of the main vocalists of legendary boy band SHINee. Since debuting as a solo artist in 2022, Onew has released popular tracks including O (Circle), Animals, and Beat Drum. Both artists arrive in Dubai following a strong 2025, with Chung Ha releasing her mini-album Alivio and Onew dropping his second full album Percent.
The concert offers a rare opportunity for fans to see both artists perform live outside South Korea. While attendance is free, organisers recommend arriving early to secure the best viewing spot.
The Dubai Shopping Festival, now in its 31st edition, began on Friday, December 5, and will continue until Sunday, January 11, bringing concerts, shopping deals, and city-wide celebrations. The UAE has increasingly become a hotspot for K-pop events, with recent shows including DREAM Concert in Abu Dhabi and WATERBOMB Dubai.
The January concert will also serve as a warm-up for upcoming K-pop events, including Hyperound K-Fest, which will see artists like ENHYPEN, Ten, and Fifty Fifty perform in Abu Dhabi. Tickets for that event are expected to go on sale soon.
With growing popularity across the region, plans are already underway for a future ‘K-City’ in the UAE, dedicated to celebrating Korean culture.
