Abu Dhabi is set to host a vibrant new South Korean cultural festival, Korea Season in the UAE, launching this November. The event, co-organized by the Abu Dhabi Music Foundation (ADMAF), will bring a mix of music, dance, and cultural performances to various venues in the capital.
Among the highlights of this inaugural season is the performance of Jungle, staged by South Korea’s National Contemporary Dance Company, on November 20 at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Red Hall. The production explores complex themes of survival and identity in a modern setting, making it a compelling start to the festival’s diverse program.
Following this, audiences can look forward to the collaboration between South Korea’s Orchestra of Dreams and the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra on November 27 at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Blue Hall. This performance marks a significant cultural exchange between the two nations.
The festival will culminate in a jazz performance on December 6 at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, featuring the South Korean jazz ensemble SB Circle alongside Coreyah, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.
In addition to the performances, Korea Season in the UAE is set to foster further cultural ties, including a special research trip for Emirati artists and curators to South Korea’s leading cultural institutions. This initiative is part of ADMAF’s broader efforts to provide professional training for the next generation of Emirati creatives.
Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, founder of ADMAF, emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening the UAE-South Korea relationship through cultural diplomacy. “This significant partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through cultural diplomacy and international co-operation between the UAE and the Republic of Korea,” Alkhamis-Kanoo said. “Through commissioning and co-productions, we aim to explore opportunities for exchanging knowledge and experiences, while developing the skills and capabilities of creatives and artists from both nations.”
The festival is expected to not only entertain but also build a deeper cultural understanding between the two nations, with an upcoming performance by the Korea National University of Arts Symphony Orchestra in April 2025.