One of the biggest Korean music festivals is on its way to Dubai and we are counting down the days.
WATERBOMB Dubai is set to be the ultimate way to cool down this summer as some of the biggest names in the Korean music scene descend on the city – and they’re bringing water cannons with them.
The festival has been a smash hit in its native South Korea and is set to go global this year, with Dubai its first-ever host destination in the Middle East.
For the uninitiated, it’s a very unique festival which has left those unfamiliar asking questions and below we answer them all.
Ok, first of all, what is WATERBOMB Dubai?
WATERBOMB is one of Korea’s biggest music festivals which combines amazing music with a massive water fight.
Huge water cannons will be positioned on the stage and blast the audience with, you guessed it, water. Artists will also get their own water guns and spectacular water effects will be on the stage.
The artists are assigned to two different coloured teams – this year it’s purple and orange – and will compete in the water fight along with the audience. When buying a ticket, you get to pick what team you’re on ahead of the big weekend.
You’re encouraged to bring a water gun with you which you’ll be able to fill up at the festival site.
It was held for the first time in 2015 and has gone on to become one of South Korea’s most popular festivals. In 2020, it expanded to other parts of Asia and now in 2024 heads to the Middle East for the first time.
That all sounds really cool, when is WATERBOMB Dubai?
The festival will come to Dubai on Friday June 7 and Saturday June 8. K-Pop fans will be in for 11 hours of fun on each day at the festival.
And who is on the WATERBOMB Dubai line-up?
Every artist we know so far and the team they’ve been assigned to can be seen below. For more information on the line-up, check out our guide to the line-up.
On Friday June 7:
- Big Naughty (Orange team)
- Blackswan (Purple team)
- Glory (Orange team)
- InsideCore (Orange team)
- LIU (Purple team)
- OTWO (Purple team)
- Simon Dominic (Purple team)
- tripleS (Purple team)
On Saturday June 8:
- 82Major (Orange team)
- AK (Purple team)
- Aster & Neo (Orange team)
- CL (Orange team)
- Jessi (Orange team)
- PH-1 (Purple team)
- SORN (Purple team)
Nice, so where is WATERBOMB Dubai?
WATERBOMB Dubai will be held at the waterfront at Dubai Festival City Mall.
The closest Dubai Metro stations to Dubai Festival City Mall are Emirates on the red line or Creek on the green line.
You can hail a taxi from Emirates to reach the mall or if you get off at Creek, you can take a free shuttle bus or a nice scenic water taxi.
The bus routes F58, 53, 64A, 44, 24 and 103 all go to Festival Centre Station which is then a 15 minute walk to the mall.
What are the ticket prices for WATERBOMB Dubai?
There are a variety of ticket prices and packages available for the festival which can all be bought via Platinum List.
A day pass costs Dhs275 in the standing section while a weekender pass for both days is Dhs450. A premier standing ticket guaranteeing a spot in the front section is Dhs650.
A VIP access ticket which takes you to the front section and the backstage bar is Dhs1,000.
There are four categories for large groups looking for the VVIP experience. The price ranges from Dhs15,000 for eight VVIP access tickets to Dhs100,000 for 24 VVIP access tickets.
Each category provides a food and drinks package worth the equivalent of the ticket price, on-site valet parking, the option for additional tickets at Dhs1,000 per person, access to the front standing section and dedicated VIP lounge space with view, dance space, food and more.
What food will be at WATERBOMB Dubai?
A whole host of popular food outlets ranging from international chains to local favourites will be available during the festival.
- Amexiq
- Bangkok City
- Brisk@
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Costa
- Emm Daniel
- High Joint
- KFC
- Kimchi Nom Nom
- Mamma Italia
- Peet’s
- Pizza Express
- Swaggers
- Zaatar W Zeit
View this post on InstagramA post shared by WATERBOMB DUBAI (@waterbomb_dubai_official)
Is there an age limit on tickets?
Yes, due to age-restricted items being sold at the festival grounds, this one is for people aged 21 and over.
Anything else?
You’ll be able to charge your smartphone on site just in case all the snaps you’re taking drain that battery.
There will be changing rooms at the festival and organisers suggest bringing a towel and a change of clothes.
Unlike UNTOLD Dubai earlier this year, you’ll just need your bank card or banking apps to pay for food instead of loading up your wristband with funds.
If you’re planning on taking a professional camera, hold off as it’s against the rules of the festival and could lead to charges against you.
Other than that, let the water fight begin!
From Dhs275. Fri Jun 7 – Sat Jun 8. Dubai Festival City Mall Waterfront. platinumlist.net. @waterbomb_dubai_official
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