
The UAE's first K-pop academy is coming to Abu Dhabi (and it's completely free)
For the first time ever, a proper K-Pop training workshop is landing in Abu Dhabi – and it's giving serious idol bootcamp energy.
From August 20 to 22, Dee Studio will transform into a K-Pop academy thanks to a collab between the Korean Cultural Center and South Korea's Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts (DIMA) – the same powerhouse that helped train stars from SEVENTEEN, ZEROBASEONE and Kwon Eunbi. Yeah. So casual.
The free workshop – dubbed Kpop Academy X DIMA Dream School – isn't just about copying choreography in front of a mirror. You'll get the full K-Pop trainee treatment, with sessions in dance, vocals and even video production, led by actual professors and student artists from DIMA.
What's on the setlist?
Expect to learn routines from absolute bangers like BTS' I Need You, BLACKPINK's Jump and NewJeans' Super Shy.
There will also be songs from the Netflix animation K-Pop Demon Hunters – because why not throw in a fantasy twist while we're at it?
Each day of the workshop is tailored to different age groups – so whether you're a kid, teen, or adult who's always wanted to master a hair flick and hit those high notes, it's time to live that idol fantasy.
Full schedule (mark your calendars)
Wednesday, August 20 (Youth)
Dance: 1pm-3pm – HUNTR/X and BTS
Vocal: 3pm-4.30pm – HUNTR/X and BTS
Thursday, August 21 (Adults)
Dance: 1pm-3pm – BLACKPINK
Vocal: 3pm-4.30pm – BTS
Friday, August 22 (Kids)
Sessions will focus on performance and video production – perfect for mini-idols-in-training who want to get behind the camera too.
Apart from being an absolute dream come true for UAE's K-Pop fanbase, this marks DIMA's first official visit to the UAE capital. And honestly? It's about time. With K-Pop's growing grip on the region, this workshop is a major moment for the Hallyu wave in the Middle East.
So, if you've got dreams of joining your bias on stage (or just want to dance like no one's watching), this is your sign to sign up.
Free event. Aug 20-22, 1-4.30pm. korean-culture.org
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