K‑pop fans in the UAE are in for an unforgettable experience as Chung Ha and Onew, the legendary SHINee vocalist, prepare to perform at Dubai Festival City Mall on January 3, 2026. This one-night-only concert is part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and will be held at the iconic Festival Bay waterfront, offering a spectacular backdrop of the “IMAGINE” water and light show.

Photo Credit: KoreaCrate

The performance is part of the “e& DSF Nights” series, which brings free, live entertainment to the public throughout the festival. Fans can expect an electrifying evening featuring the powerhouse vocals and stage presence of Chung Ha. She first gained attention as a member of I.O.I and has since become a solo star, delivering hits such as ‘Gotta Go’ and ‘Snapping”. Joining her is Onew, SHINee’s leader and main vocalist, whose solo work including “O (Circle)” and his latest album Percent has cemented him as a standout performer in K‑pop.

Phot Credit: W Magazine

The show kicks off at 8:30 PM and is free for everyone, welcoming fans of all ages. Organizers recommend arriving early for the best views, as the event is expected to draw large crowds from across Dubai. While parking is available at the mall, fans are encouraged to use public transport because a large crowd is expected.

Photo Credit: NME

This K-pop showcase is just one highlight of the 31st Dubai Shopping Festival, which runs from December 5, 2025, to January 11, 2026, which features live music, fireworks, shopping treats, and family-friendly entertainment. From Arab pop stars to children’s stage shows, Festival City is set to be a hub of excitement this winter. K‑pop fans in Dubai will get a rare opportunity to see Chung Ha and Onew perform live.

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Hollywood star Will Smith will be a guest speaker at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 In UAE, expect his trademark wit and hard-earned lessons at the event. The 44th edition of SIBF will begin on November 5 to 16 at the Expo Centre Sharjah, and according to the organizers Smith is scheduled to take the main stage on November 14 at 8pm.

SIBF has grown into one of the region’s most distinguished cultural gatherings, bringing thousands of publishers and hundreds of events that span literature, film, music and education. The Sharjah Book Authority named this year’s theme to be “Between You and a Book,” bridging the gap between creators and readers from across the world.

Will Smith —Instagram

Smith’s session promises to be more memoir than lecture: press previews suggest he will reflect on a three-decade career that spans music, cinema, entrepreneurship and recent writing projects, sharing candid stories about creativity, resilience and reinvention. Fans can expect a mix of humor, personal anecdotes and practical advice for anyone building a creative life.

The fair promises to be an eventful experience, as over 1200 activities will be conducted, author signings, children’s programming and specialist panels that aim to create cross-cultural conversations. Thanks to the organizers transportation and logistics that will handle the expected rush of visitors have been put in place.

Will Smith — Instagram

Also, this year’s program will host a remarkable roster of global literary figures, including Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Italian physicist and bestselling writer Carlo Rovelli, Irish novelist and Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch, and Indian content creator Prajakta Koli. Prominent Arab and Emirati names such as poet and filmmaker Nujoom Al Ghanem, historian Dr. Hamad bin Seray and renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass will also participate.

Whether you come for a chance to hear an icon speak or to hear the voices of other literary experts and meet new people, Will Smith’s presence adds an artistic moment to a festival that remains, at its heart, a celebration of books and the stories that shape us. Tickets and session details are available via the Sharjah Book Fair website and social channels, expect demand and limited seating for Smith’s appearance.

also read: Every Major Concert Coming to the UAE in 2025: Dates, Venues, and Ticket Details

Progressive metal icons Dream Theater are heading back to Dubai and they’re making a grand return. The legendary band will perform live at the Coca-Cola Arena on January 27, 2026, as part of their long-awaited 40th Anniversary Tour, offering fans an immersive night of technical brilliance.

Photo credit: Sweden rock

Brought to Dubai by All Things Live Middle East, the concert won’t be your typical rock show. This time, fans can expect something truly different, a three-hour seated performance that takes them on a musical journey through Dream Theater’s 40-year history. Every moment on stage will showcase the skill and energy that have cemented Dream Theater place as masters of progressive metal.

Photo Credit: Portal ABC do ABC

The tour marks the return of the full band. LaBrie, Petrucci, Myung, Rudess, and Portnoy, back on drums after 15 years away. For longtime fans, Portnoy’s return makes this tour even more special. Speaking about the milestone tour, guitarist John Petrucci shared, “We’re celebrating our 40th anniversary, our new album ‘Parasomnia,’ and Mike’s return. It’s going to be an epic night, we can’t wait to play for our fans in the Middle East again.”

Photo Credit: Hennepin Arts

Fans can expect a setlist that bridges Dream Theater’s rich past and dynamic present, from classics like Pull Me Under to newer cinematic soundscapes such as Night Terror and the 19-minute composition The Shadow Man Incident from their latest album Parasomnia. Tickets are available via the Coca-Cola Arena website

With 40 years of music that’s pushed and redefined progressive metal, Dream Theater’s Dubai concert is a celebration of legacy, craftsmanship, and the fans who’ve supported the band’s enduring evolution.

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