Upcoming K-pop and pop concerts to watch out for in the Gulf in 2026 and beyond

The Gulf region continues to strengthen its position as a major destination for global music tours, with K-pop and international pop concerts drawing massive crowds across the UAE and the wider Middle East. From confirmed festival lineups to highly anticipated world tours, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for fans.

One of the biggest confirmed K-pop events is Hyperound K-Fest, set to take place in Abu Dhabi on April 18, 2026, at Etihad Arena. The festival will feature a powerful lineup including ENHYPEN, ARTMS, TEN, FIFTY FIFTY, and Dabin.kr, marking one of the most significant K-pop gatherings in the region this year. With its mix of chart-topping groups and rising stars, the event highlights the Gulf’s growing appeal as a stop on major K-pop circuits.

While not officially confirmed yet, excitement is already building around the BTS Arirang World Tour 2026. According to industry reports and fan speculation, Middle East dates are planned for 2027, as part of a large-scale global tour following the group’s full reunion. There are also strong rumors of a potential India stop, although no official announcements have been made so far.

Beyond BTS, the region continues to attract frequent appearances from popular K-pop acts such as ATEEZ, Stray Kids, ITZY, and others. Fans are advised to keep an eye on major ticketing platforms and venue calendars, as announcements are often made with relatively short lead times.

On the pop and international music front, venues like Etihad Park in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Opera remain key hotspots for major artists, especially during high-profile periods such as Formula 1 race weekends. Promoters like Live Nation Middle East regularly bring global pop, indie, and crossover acts to the region, making the Gulf an increasingly important stop on world tours.

For fans looking to stay updated, checking ticketing websites, official venue pages, and K-pop news platforms is essential. With demand for live music at an all-time high, many shows sell out quickly once announced.

As 2026 unfolds, the Gulf’s concert calendar is expected to expand further, offering fans more chances than ever to experience world-class K-pop and pop performances closer to home.