Anticipated BTS Performance in UAE: Enthusiasts Hope for Boy Band's Appearance Post Military Discharge
Across the globe, the Korean wave, often known as Hallyu, is surging – K-pop, K-dramas, K-food, and skincare products are gaining traction, even in the UAE. The Hallyu tide is gathering momentum, with more and more locals embracing Korean culture wholeheartedly.
At the forefront of this global fever is BTS – the band that many credit with "blazing a trail" for K-pop's rise in popularity. With record-breaking albums, sold-out tours, and a rabid fanbase called ARMY, BTS has turned into one of the most influential boy bands around the world. They even staged a performance in the UAE back in 2016, marking one of their initial global stops.
Whether you dig them or just don’t get the hype, BTS can't be ignored.
In the UAE, the BTS ARMY community is thriving and growing. Fans routinely gather to celebrate the group, organize events, and share their passion for the music and message BTS represents.
Stay updated with the latest news. Follow us on WhatsApp Channels.
Inside the UAE’s ARMY Community
One of the largest local fan clubs, Bangtan UAE, is run by Yan Hinolan, a long-time BTS fan originally from the Philippines. Established in 2015, the group had "at least a thousand" UAE-based fans registered in its database before the pandemic. Now, their Facebook page boasts over 58,000 followers, and their Instagram counts over 10,000.
In May, the group organized a block screening of j-hope's solo concert, livestreamed by Vox Cinemas. Before the screening began, Yan hosted games, handed out freebies, and brought the crowd together with warmth and humor. The atmosphere was electric with camaraderie – fans hugged, laughed, and exchanged small gifts they’d prepared for fellow ARMY.
One of the attendees was Amar Dass, an Indian expat and one of the few men in the theatre. He stumbled upon BTS after Jungkook's performance at the Fifa World Cup in Qatar and claims he "found family in BTS ARMY."
Deema Abu Naser, a UAE-based Asian entertainment content creator, is popularly known as 'deemalovesdrama' on social media and has close to a million followers across platforms. She recalls how the local fandom has evolved over the years. "The UAE ARMY community is substantial now compared to when I was in high school."
"In 2016, we had KCON Abu Dhabi where BTS came and performed, and even back then, the ARMY community here was pretty impressive, I would say, but nothing like it is now."
Deema Abu Naser (right) at the same bookshop as BTS' RM. Provided photos.
Speaking about the community's spirit, she says, "I want people outside [the community] to see that as fans, we're passionate, positive, connected, and always ready for a good time. I've worked tirelessly for years to build such an incredible community, and I feel proud to say that I have the largest online community for Asian entertainment fans."
Another fan, Athina Doutis, a Greek expat who's lived in the UAE most of her life, echoed those sentiments. "ARMY feels like family, even though I've known them for just a short time."
Athina Doutis. Provided photo.
Even though the band is selling out enormous arenas even as solo artists, she still holds onto hopes that BTS will come back to perform in the UAE.
A Concert in the UAE?
She isn't alone in her dreams, 15-year-old Mehreen Arfaz "hopes that their comeback means that they would have a concert in the UAE." The teen swears she'll have all their songs memorized if the band decides to make a stop here.
Doutis says she'd book her ticket without hesitation if a concert was announced here. "I don't care about the cost, date, or location – there'd be no barriers or obstacles in my way."
Another fan, Amrithashree Kumrouth, a brand marketing executive in Dubai, said a concert in the UAE would "mean everything" to her. "My prayers would be answered."
Shaziya Ashraf, an influencer who goes by the alias 'thatanimemom' on social media, said she wouldn't be surprised if "tickets sell out in seconds" if BTS announce a tour stop in the UAE.
Shaziya Ashraf. Provided photo.
But is it even feasible?
Speaking to Khaleej Times in a personal capacity, Yu Ri Park, Deputy Consul General of South Korea in Dubai, shared that there is a "possibility that BTS will perform in the UAE in the future."
She continued to say that the UAE is rapidly emerging as a regional hub for Hallyu and added that the nation "is well equipped to host such a popular and attractive event, thanks to its infrastructure."
Return from Military Duty
With the final five members returning from their mandatory military service this month, fans around the world are counting down the days, making plans, and preparing themselves – both emotionally and financially – for what's to come. This year's BTS Festa, held annually in June to celebrate the band's debut anniversary, holds a special significance as it coincides with their reunion.
"I'd probably be crying happy tears," said influencer Ashraf, who discovered the band through a K-drama featuring member V. "Funnily enough, I found them at a time when I was going through a really tough period in my life, and in a way, they saved me with their songs. I think that’s one thing that makes me an ARMY for life. I owe them a lot."
She added: "I also feel like, being away for almost two years, each of them would’ve evolved – and I’d want them to showcase that evolution individually, for sure."
"Missing" their classic style of music, Deema, on the other hand, is hoping for a new album that embodies their old songs.
"I adore how each member has their own flair and love their individual comebacks, but I want a little dash of BTS' old discography that I fell in love with," she says.
"Also, more concerts worldwide – I'll fly out wherever, unless they bring it here."
With the last of BTS’s military enlistments concluding, fans in the UAE – much like ARMY worldwide – are keeping their fingers crossed. Whether it’s through new music, global tours, or even a long-awaited concert in the UAE, one thing is certain: BTS' next chapter is about to begin, and ARMY will stand by every beat of it.
ALSO READ:
- BTS ARMY in UAE: Catch j-hope live in concert near you
- Why BTS’ label Hybe’s chairman is facing life imprisonment over fraud accusations
#### Meher DhanjalMeher is a Digital Journalist who breaks news first and breathes second. She loves chasing leads, unraveling mysteries, and interviewing the who's who of the world.
- The UAE's BTS ARMY community is thriving, with large local fan clubs like Bangtan UAE organizing events, games, and screenings to celebrate the band.
- Whether it's a j-hope concert or a potential BTS tour stop, fans in the UAE are eagerly waiting and prepared to attend, showcasing their dedication and camaraderie.
- Amidst the excitement, fans are also keeping an eye on news about BTS' return from military duty, with many hoping for a new album that incorporates their old musical style and global tours.
- With the UAE rapidly becoming a hub for Hallyu, there's a possibility that BTS may perform there in the future, which fans around the world, including the UAE, are eagerly anticipating.
- As BTS' next chapter begins, fans in the UAE, just like ARMY worldwide, are ready to stand by every beat, eagerly waiting for new music, global tours, and even a potential concert in the UAE.
