GKT MEDIA SUCCESSFULLY HOSTS KOREAN CULTURE FESTIVAL 2026 – VOLUME 2

Bringing Communities Together Through Korean Culture, Music, Art and International Collaboration

Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai and Prominent UAE Dignitaries Attend, Highlighting Korea-UAE Cultural Exchange and Community Collaboration

Three Days of Korean Culture, Entertainment, Food, Fashion and Art at B1 Mall, Barsha

November 6–8, 2026 | Free Admission

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – GKT Media successfully concluded the Korean Culture Festival 2026 – Volume 2, held from November 6 to 8, 2026, at B1 Mall in Barsha, Dubai.

The three-day festival showcased the richness and diversity of Korean culture through music, art, food, fashion and entertainment, creating a vibrant platform for people from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds to connect, interact and celebrate together.

Building on the strong public interest and positive response received during its inaugural edition, the second volume further expanded the reach of Korean culture in the UAE while strengthening its role as a cultural exchange platform bringing together communities, businesses, artists and professionals from diverse sectors.

The opening ceremony was particularly distinguished by the attendance of the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai and prominent UAE dignitaries, adding significance to the occasion and highlighting the importance of cultural ties, mutual understanding and community collaboration between Korea and the UAE.

Opening Ceremony Highlights Korea-UAE Cultural Exchange and Collaboration

The opening ceremony was attended by the following distinguished guests:

• H.E. Mr. Park Jongkyung – Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai

• Mr. Jason Kim – CEO, Law Firm YK

• Mr. Faisel Sajwani – Special Advisor to H.H. Sheikh Saqer

• Ambassador Laila Rahhal El Atfani – Founder & CEO, Woman Business Circle

The ceremony commenced with an Opening Greeting by Mr. Jason Kim, CEO of Law Firm YK, who welcomed the distinguished guests and participants. He expressed his hope that the festival would serve as a meaningful occasion for people of different nationalities and backgrounds to come together, connect and build relationships through the shared experience of Korean culture.

This was followed by a congratulatory address by Mr. Faisel Sajwani, Special Advisor to H.H. Sheikh Saqer, who extended his congratulations on the festival and wished the event every success.

Ambassador Laila Rahhal El Atfani, Founder and CEO of Woman Business Circle, also delivered a congratulatory address, celebrating the festival and emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange, business engagement and collaboration among communities.

The presence of H.E. Mr. Park Jongkyung, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai, further highlighted the significance of the festival as a platform for Korea-UAE cultural exchange. His attendance represented an important gesture of support for introducing Korean culture and arts to the local community and strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

The opening ceremony brought together distinguished representatives from Korea and the UAE, creating a meaningful opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity, mutual understanding and the shared value of international cooperation.

Celebrating Korean Music, Art and Creativity

One of the major highlights of the festival was the participation of EMOTIM, a five-member K-POP boy group from Korea.

Together with Korean artists and creative talents, EMOTIM visited Dubai to share their music, passion and artistic energy with local audiences, delivering exciting performances that created memorable experiences for festival visitors.

Their performances brought together audiences of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, demonstrating the universal power of music and art to connect people beyond language and cultural boundaries.

Beyond K-POP, visitors were invited to explore a wide range of Korean cultural experiences across different sectors:

• K-POP & Entertainment: Live performances, music and interactive entertainment programmes.

• K-FOOD: Authentic Korean cuisine and popular Korean food experiences enjoyed by local and international communities.

• K-FASHION & BEAUTY: Korean fashion trends, beauty innovations and lifestyle products.

• K-ART & Traditional Culture: Korean artistic creativity, cultural heritage and traditional arts.

• Business & Cultural Exchange: Opportunities for Korean and UAE-based companies, entrepreneurs and community members to connect, exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations.

Through these diverse experiences, visitors discovered the unique harmony between Korea's rich traditions and its contemporary creative industries, all brought together under one roof.

More Than a Cultural Event: A Festival for the Community

For GKT Media, the Korean Culture Festival represents much more than a three-day cultural celebration.

It reflects the organisation's broader vision of connecting communities and cultures, promoting mutual understanding and creating new opportunities through collaboration.

At a time when many members of the community have been facing challenging circumstances, the festival also sought to demonstrate the importance of standing together, supporting one another and working collectively to create positive outcomes.

Through this initiative, GKT Media aimed to create shared opportunities and mutual benefits for participating businesses, artists, entrepreneurs and community members, while contributing to the sustainable development of the wider community.

The festival also provided an opportunity for cultural engagement to go beyond simple gatherings, with the potential to develop into meaningful professional networks, new business opportunities and long-term partnerships.

Building a Sustainable Cultural Exchange Platform Between Korea and the UAE

GKT Media envisions the Korean Culture Festival as an ongoing cultural exchange platform connecting Korea and the UAE.

Moving forward, the organisation plans to continue introducing Korea's creative talent and cultural strengths through programmes encompassing arts, food, fashion, entertainment and business, while expanding opportunities for mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.

Taking advantage of the UAE's unique multicultural environment, GKT Media aims to develop new collaborative models that encourage Korean and UAE-based businesses, artists, entrepreneurs and community organisations to participate, grow and create shared value.

GKT Media extends its sincere appreciation to all distinguished guests, partners, participating companies, artists, performers, supporting organisations and visitors who contributed to making this festival a success.

Their support, participation and collaboration were instrumental in bringing the vision of the Korean Culture Festival 2026 – Volume 2 to life.

EVENT INFORMATION

Event: Korean Culture Festival 2026 – Volume 2
Dates: November 6–8, 2026
Venue: B1 Mall, Barsha, Dubai, UAE
Opening Ceremony: November 6, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Admission: Free

SEE IT. TASTE IT. FEEL THE SPIRIT OF KOREA.

ABOUT GKT MEDIA

GKT Media (Gulf Korean Times) is a Dubai-based Korean media and cultural platform dedicated to strengthening connections and fostering meaningful engagement between Korea, the UAE and the wider international community.

Through print and digital media, cultural festivals, events and business initiatives, GKT Media works to promote cross-cultural understanding, encourage artistic exchange and create new opportunities for collaboration between Korea and the UAE.

By bringing together media, culture, arts and business, GKT Media continues to serve as a bridge connecting communities and fostering stronger international relationships.

MEDIA & PARTNERSHIP ENQUIRIES

Mia Jung
Managing Director, GKT Media
Mobile: +971 50 461 3991

GKT Media – Gulf Korean Times
Dubai, United Arab Emirates