DUBAI: Fans planning to attend Dubai K-Fest this weekend will have to wait longer, after organisers postponed the festival following Dubai’s declaration of a 10-day official mourning period.
The festival had been scheduled to begin on September 25, with a free opening-night concert at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall. The programme was due to feature South Korean solo artist Kwon Eunbi and K-pop boy band ONEUS.
Organisers have confirmed that the event will not take place this weekend. New dates will be announced later, but a revised schedule has not yet been released.
Why Dubai K-Fest was postponed
The postponement follows the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, younger brother of Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The Ruler’s Court announced a 10-day official mourning period in Dubai, beginning Monday, September 21. UAE national flags across Dubai are being flown at half-mast during the mourning period.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was 76. He had served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police and Public Security and was chairman of Al Wasl Football Club, among other roles.
The official mourning period means organisers of scheduled public events are reviewing their programmes and making changes where required.
What was planned for K-Fest
The inaugural Dubai K-Fest was originally scheduled to run from September 25 to October 4 across locations in Dubai.
The 10-day festival was designed as a citywide celebration of Korean culture, covering K-pop, Korean cinema, K-beauty, fashion, food, shopping and cultural experiences. The festival was organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE).
The opening event at Festival Bay was scheduled to begin at 7:30pm on September 25 with the IMAGINE Show, followed by a live K-pop concert from 8pm.
Kwon Eunbi, who previously performed as a member of IZ*ONE before pursuing a solo career, was scheduled to appear alongside ONEUS. For ONEUS, the Dubai performance was expected to be the group’s first global stage following the release of its 12th mini-album, FIRST LIGHT.
The opening programme was also set to include traditional Korean performances, a Taekwondo dance act and fireworks.
Second free event also affected
A separate free event had been scheduled at Festival Bay on September 26, featuring Korean dancers and choreographers AIKI and Choi Young-jun.
The programme was being presented with support from the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) and was part of K-Fest’s wider entertainment programme.
At present, organisers have not confirmed whether the September 26 event will be rescheduled separately or as part of a revised K-Fest programme.
What happens next for K-Fest visitors?
For now, there is no confirmed replacement date for the postponed K-Fest opening concert.
Organisers have indicated that updated dates will be announced later. The status of the festival’s other activities, originally planned through October 4, has also not been fully confirmed.
People who were planning to attend should therefore check official Dubai K-Fest and Dubai Festival City Mall channels before travelling to the venue.
The postponement does not mean the K-Fest programme has been permanently cancelled. It remains a scheduling change linked to the current official mourning period, with further announcements expected from organisers.
What happened to Dubai K-Fest?
Dubai K-Fest has been postponed following the declaration of a 10-day official mourning period in Dubai. The festival’s planned opening events will not proceed this weekend.
Was the Kwon Eunbi and ONEUS concert cancelled?
The September 25 concert has been postponed, not permanently cancelled. Organisers said new dates will be announced later.
When was the Kwon Eunbi and ONEUS concert originally scheduled?
The free concert was scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, at Festival Bay in Dubai Festival City Mall, with the live concert planned from 8pm.
Why was Dubai K-Fest postponed?
The postponement follows Dubai’s announcement of a 10-day official mourning period after the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Will K-Fest still take place?
Organisers have said new dates will be announced, but the revised schedule has not yet been confirmed. The status of all activities originally planned through October 4 remains subject to further announcements.
Where was the K-Fest concert supposed to take place?
The opening concert was scheduled for Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Was another K-Fest event planned?
Yes. A second free event was scheduled for September 26 featuring Korean choreographers AIKI and Choi Young-jun. Its revised date has not yet been confirmed.
