Last Sunday, Etihad Park on Yas Island transformed into a global hub for K-pop fans as the Dream Concert made its Middle East debut. Organized by Theory Eleven Entertainment Middle East, in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism and Miral, the event promised a historic night — and it largely delivered, though not without moments that sparked discussion among attendees.
A Diverse Crowd and Festival Atmosphere
From early afternoon, fans of all ages and nationalities streamed into the venue. Many arrived in K-pop-inspired outfits, lining up for the best spots while others settled at the back to soak in the atmosphere. The festival grounds were well-prepared, with food stops, and refreshment bars ensuring hydration under the blazing UAE sun. Security checks and entry lines were smoothly organized, setting a professional tone for the day.
For those holding Golden Circle tickets, the afternoon began with the much-anticipated soundcheck show. Excitement filled the air as fans hoped to catch an early glimpse of their favorite idols. The heat and the atmosphere was intense, with people chatting, laughing, and sharing their expectations. Not every artist appeared on stage during the soundcheck, which naturally left some fans wishing for more. Yet, since no official announcement had promised a full lineup, the moment became less about who was missing and more about the shared anticipation of what was to come. In a way, the mystery added to the festival’s character — a reminder that live events carry their own surprises, sometimes sweet, sometimes unexpected. While a few hearts may have sunk, the collective energy quickly lifted again, as everyone knew the main show would bring the performances they had been waiting for.
Etihad Park, with its expansive grounds, was unlikely to reach full capacity, yet the steady stream of arrivals throughout the day kept the atmosphere vibrant. The openness of the venue gave fans room to spread out, and enjoy the concert at their own pace, while the continuous flow of people ensured the energy never dipped.
Building Energy with a DJ Set
A two-hour DJ set from Katy Leen kept spirits alive, blasting K-pop hits back-to-back. Fans danced, played games, and bonded over shared fandoms, creating a communal vibe that felt like a festival within the festival.
Performances That Defined the Night
The concert unfolded with a carefully curated lineup that balanced fresh energy and established star power. Opening the night, iii set the tone with infectious enthusiasm, something that the hosts also kept during their appearances. All(h)ours, whose dynamic style and unexpected sound became one of the evening’s surprises, were the second act of the night. As the night filled the horizon, Bang Ye Dam delivered a lyrical performance that felt perfectly timed, his voice resonating across the park. Xikers followed with playful interaction and sharp choreography, drawing cheers from fans who appreciated their mix of fun and precision. Serving as both performer and host, Miyeon of (G)I-DLE offered the most extensive setlist, her melodic delivery made us think that we were watching a slow burn K-drama, while fans who met her described her as warm and sweet. The mood shifted with Joy, who brought back fun vibes, and Seulgi, whose powerful stage presence showcased a different side of female K-pop idols. Then, Ateez, the undeniable highlight of the night, commanding the loudest audience reactions and proving once again why they are considered one of K-pop’s most electrifying groups. Closing the festival, S.Coups and Mingyu of Seventeen transformed the atmosphere into a celebratory party, encouraging fans to dance freely and enjoy the music without crowding for the best view — a fitting finale that left the audience with a sense of release and joy.
Dream Concert’s Abu Dhabi debut showcased the strength of K-pop’s international reach and the ability of organizers like Theory Eleven Middle East to stage a large-scale event in the region.
Was this the start of something that fans are waiting for such a long time? Or was it just a concert that we will remember for all of these reasons?
We can’t wait to see.
SINON 
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