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What To Know
- Dubai’s January calendar locks in a major night for K-pop fans, with two global names confirmed for a free live concert at Dubai Festival City Mall.
- With a waterfront venue, an open-access format, and two established solo artists sharing one night, the event delivers high-demand live music as part of DSF’s entertainment slate.
- His presence at a free public concert marks a rare opportunity for fans to experience his solo material outside ticketed arena shows.
Chung Ha and SHINee’s Onew headline a free Dubai Shopping Festival night at Festival Bay this January
Dubai’s January calendar locks in a major night for K-pop fans, with two global names confirmed for a free live concert at Dubai Festival City Mall. South Korean solo star Chung Ha and Onew of SHINee are set to perform together as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival’s live music program. The show takes place at Festival Bay, the open-air waterfront venue known for large-scale public events. Entry costs nothing, access stays open to the public, and the lineup places K-pop front and center during one of the city’s busiest entertainment weeks. For fans already tracking January plans, this date now sits high on the list.
Chung Ha And Onew Take The Festival Bay Stage
The concert is scheduled for Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Festival Bay inside Dubai Festival City Mall. The performance starts at 8:30 pm, with organizers encouraging early arrival due to expected crowds. Both artists appear on the same night, giving fans a rare shared bill featuring two distinct solo catalogs. The event forms part of the Dubai Shopping Festival’s live programming, which traditionally brings international performers to open public venues. Festival Bay’s waterfront layout allows standing access and wide viewing angles, making it a popular site for DSF headline shows.
Why Chung Ha’s Dubai Appearance Matters
Chung Ha enters Dubai with a solo career that continues to expand globally. After first gaining attention as a member of I.O.I, she established herself as a solo artist through tracks such as “Gotta Go,” “Snapping,” and “Roller Coaster.” Her recent work includes the mini-album Alivio, which adds new material to her live set. Chung Ha’s performances are known for tight choreography and vocal control, translating well to large outdoor stages. Her inclusion signals DSF’s intent to feature contemporary global pop rather than legacy acts alone.
Onew Brings His Solo Catalog To DSF Nights
Onew appears in Dubai as part of his solo career, separate from SHINee group activities. Known as the group’s leader and main vocalist, he began releasing solo music in 2022. Tracks such as “O (Circle)” and “Beat Drum” helped define his independent sound, while his 2025 album Percent added a broader live repertoire. His presence at a free public concert marks a rare opportunity for fans to experience his solo material outside ticketed arena shows. The pairing with Chung Ha places two different performance styles on the same stage.
Part Of Dubai Shopping Festival’s Live Music Run
The concert falls under the “e& DSF Nights” series, a recurring element of the Dubai Shopping Festival. DSF’s 31st season runs from December 5, 2025 through January 11, 2026, filling the city with retail campaigns, fireworks, and live entertainment. Alongside the K-pop night, the program includes performances by Ruby, Dalia, and Mahmoud Al Turki. Festival Bay continues to serve as one of the main hubs for these shows due to its capacity and central location.
A free Chung Ha and SHINee Onew concert places Dubai firmly on the global K-pop tour map this January. With a waterfront venue, an open-access format, and two established solo artists sharing one night, the event delivers high-demand live music as part of DSF’s entertainment slate. Fans planning to attend should arrive early, prepare for crowds, and mark January 3 as a must-see date. For anyone following international pop schedules, this Dubai K-pop concert stands out as one of the season’s most talked-about live moments.
Cover Photo: @chungha_official & @dlstmxkakwldrl (Instagram)
