UAE and South Korea to launch K-City, a dedicated Korean Cultural Hub

Abu Dhabi, UAE: Following high-level discussions between the two nations’ presidents, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of Korea have confirmed plans to develop a dedicated 'K-City' within the Emirates.

This new project is a key part of a broader set of bilateral collaborations and is designed to act as a major centre for Korean culture, business, cuisine, and lifestyle in the UAE.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the goal of the initiative is to position the UAE as the principal Middle Eastern hub for cultural engagement with South Korea, capitalising on the strong existing relationship between the two countries.

The decision reflects the massive local interest in the 'Korean Wave,' known as Hallyu, which has deeply resonated, particularly among younger audiences. The obsession runs deep: K-pop concerts, K-drama screenings, and fan gatherings consistently draw large crowds in the Emirates, while Korean eateries, pop-up venues, and beauty brands continue their expansion across the local market.

The growing appeal of Korean content was recently highlighted when Dubai hosted the largest K-content expo ever held in the region this month, with participation from both the private sector and government bodies. Furthermore, Dubai has hosted top Korean stars, with the Global Village staging a K-pop festival in November and the Coca-Cola Arena hosting a special concert featuring K-drama soundtrack stars in September.

The enthusiasm extends beyond the cities, with the film Kpop Demon Hunters contributing to the rising popularity of K-culture. Its success led to a recent K-culture event in Abu Dhabi that included a special sing-along to the film’s popular soundtrack. This event also showcased the type of experiences expected at the 'UAE K-City,' with booths offering K-beauty products and K-food, alongside live traditional Korean dance performances. Abu Dhabi is also set to host DREAM Concert, a major K-pop festival, later in November.

The announcement of the ‘UAE K-City’ was made following a state visit to the United Arab Emirates by Lee Jae Myung, the newly elected President of the Republic of Korea. The two leaders discussed developing the UAE as a major centre for cultural exchange, reflecting the close relationship between the two nations.

Details on the ‘UAE K-City’ are limited as the project is still in an early stage, with both governments exploring how to combine the strengths of their respective nations. The full scale and precise location of the development have not yet been confirmed. A joint declaration following the state visit affirmed a focus on strengthening "active people-to-people exchanges" and agreed to continue discussions on measures that would benefit the citizens of both the Republic of Korea and the United Arab Emirates. The declaration stressed the vital role of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding and shared values.