- Expansion of Cultural Exchange Between Korea and the UAE –
- 15 Programs Enriches the UAE in November and December –
Korea Season 2024, brings Korean culture and vibrancy into the UAE and its capital, Abu Dhabi, expanding cultural exchange with 15 curated programs from November to December
From November to December 2024, the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, will host Korea Season in the UAE, bringing a vibrant selection of Korean contemporary dance, orchestral performances, and visual art exhibitions to audiences. Designed to deepen the cultural appreciation of arts and culture from Korea to an UAE audience that is already captivated by K-pop and K-dramas, the program offers an immersive Korean cultural experience.
Korea Season UAE 2024, is Organised by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (Minister Yu In-chon), the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (President Chang-sik Park, KOFICE), and the Korean Cultural Center UAE (Director Yong-hee Lee), and in collaboration with ‘Abu Dhabi Festival’, founded by ADMAF (Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation).This edition of Korea Season follows last year’s historic state visit to the UAE by Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and the recent reciprocal visit by UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The program is part of a broader initiative to foster cultural influence and cross-cultural exchanges between Korea and the UAE.
The Korea Season 2024 will open in November as as part of ‘Abu Dhabi Festival’, named by the BBC in 2024 as the ‘Best Classical Musical Festival in the Middle East’. One of the highlights of the Festival includes a November 16 performance by the National Dance Company of Korea, showcasing Flow While Still, a new production directed by Sung-yong Kim, at the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s outdoor stage. Another highlight will be the November 20 staging of Jungle at New York University Abu Dhabi’s Red Hall, an acclaimed contemporary dance piece that evokes themes of survival and identity through dynamic choreography and a visually compelling set.
November 21 will bring a special talk hosted as part of Abu Dhabi Art, where Nam-hee Park,
Director of the Nam June Paik Art Center, and media artist Ah-young Kim will discuss “Visual Arts, AI, and the Intersection of Art and Technology between Korea and the UAE.” Inspired by Nam June
Paik, Ah-young Kim will discuss her work exploring the convergence of art, technology, and diplomacy, including pieces that reflect her family’s connections to the Middle East. A leading event in the region, Abu Dhabi Art combines exhibitions, talks, and lectures across various venues, showcasing international art and creating spaces for artistic and cultural fusion.
On November 27, Orchestra of Dreams with Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra will debut at New York University Abu Dhabi’s Blue Hall. This event marks the first collaboration between Korea’s Orchestra of Dreams and the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra, celebrating the unity of young musicians from both nations. The performance symbolises a harmonious cultural exchange that brings together the future leaders of both countries through music.
Rounding off the program, the Korean fusion music groups SB Circle and Coreyah will perform at Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation on December 6, in an outdoor concert in its ampitheatre. Led by saxophonist Hyun-pil Shin and gayageum artist Kyung-so Park, SB Circle will deliver a unique blend of jazz and traditional Korean music, while Coreyah will showcase a fusion of Korean and world music styles.
Alongside these events, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will host a variety of other Korean cultural programs. The Korea Festival 2024, one of the largest Hallyu (Korean Wave) events, will take place on November 15-16 at Umm Al Emarat Park. Visitors can look forward to exhibitions on Korean tourism and culture, along with promotions featuring K-content, and an exciting April 2025 performance by the KNUA Symphony Orchestra.
Her Excellency Huda Ibrahim Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder of Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, commented: “The Korea Season in the UAE 2024 is a pivotal part of our strategic partnership with the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE).
This significant partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through cultural diplomacy and international cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea. Through commissioning and coproductions, we aim to explore opportunities for exchanging knowledge and experiences, while developing the skills and capabilities of creatives and artists from both nations.
PARK Chang-sik, Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange(KOFICE), Last May, President Yoon Suk Yeol and President Muhammad Banjayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said Economic, energy, high-tech, etc. at the summit. They discussed strengthening cooperation in various fields and the “special strategic partnership” between the two countries. As such, the UAE is not only economical and industrial Culture and arts are also one of the most important countries for our country. This Korea season will feature various Korean culture and arts programs in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation. We will continue to support cooperative relationships with both institutions in the future.
For further details on the 2024 Korea Season UAE program, visit the official website www.koreaseason.co.kr