UAE & Korea: Strategic Partnership Strengthened

UAE and South Korea Forge Deeper Strategic Partnership Across Key Sectors

the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to a strengthened strategic partnership,encompassing a wide range of collaborative initiatives from space exploration to advanced healthcare,following a meeting between His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,President of the State,and Lee Jae Myung,President of the Republic of Korea,in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday,November 18,2025. The discussions, held at Qasr Al Watan, underscored the rapid growth in cooperation between the two nations as establishing diplomatic relations in 1980.

A Partnership Built on Mutual Growth and Vision

Both leaders expressed appreciation for the expanding ties,particularly in critical areas like energy,construction,infrastructure,trade,investment,defense,and cutting-edge technologies. This collaboration is not merely transactional, but rooted in a shared vision for lasting growth and long-term prosperity. “The depth of our friendly relations at the Asian and Middle eastern levels is based on a special strategic partnership established in 2018,” a senior official stated, highlighting the foundational strength of the alliance.

Pioneering Collaboration in Space

The partnership’s success is particularly evident in the space sector, a field where the UAE and South Korea have collaborated for over two decades. This ongoing cooperation recently culminated in the development of the “Etihad-Sat” radar satellite, a project undertaken in partnership with the Korean “Satrek Initiative” company in 2025. This builds upon previous joint achievements, including the launches of DubaiSat-1 and DubaiSat-2, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable knowledge exchange and satellite development. The Republic of Korea also played a crucial role in the environmental testing of the KhalifaSat, the UAE’s first entirely domestically-developed satellite.

Driving Innovation and Economic Growth

To accelerate growth,the leaders committed to establishing joint platforms for research and development,fostering technology sector development,and building robust supply chains. A particular emphasis was placed on artificial intelligence and semiconductors, with plans for joint investment in AI data centers powered by mixed energy sources and the application of AI in port development through digital twin technology.A high-level ministerial dialog will be launched to strengthen cooperation in responsible AI governance and cybersecurity.

The Barakah Model and Clean Energy

Cooperation in civil nuclear energy will focus on enhancing the efficiency and stability of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, with a goal of establishing a mutually beneficial framework for accessing global markets through the “Barakah Model.” Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting clean energy goals and reducing carbon emissions through cooperation in next-generation technologies and the utilization of AI to improve nuclear power plant efficiency.

Addressing global Challenges: Water Security and Public Health

Recognizing the importance of addressing global challenges, the two sides highlighted the critical role of water security. They underscored the significance of the 2026 United Nations water Conference, hosted by the UAE and Senegal, in enhancing global efforts in this area. In public health, the UAE’s position as a leading destination for korean medical treatment was acknowledged, with discussions focused on establishing a dedicated center for pre- and post-treatment care and exploring the development of a thorough Korean medical complex.

Fostering Cultural Exchange and Future Generations

The leaders also emphasized the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening ties between the two nations. Plans are underway to develop innovative projects like “UAE K-City,” a hub combining Korean culture, business, and innovation.Furthermore, both countries will encourage mutual visits, training programs, and opportunities for young people to foster the next generation of leaders.

Implementation and Ongoing Dialogue

To ensure effective implementation of these agreements, a high-level working group will be established within the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both the UAE and the Republic of Korea.High-level officials will maintain close dialogue and regularly update leadership on progress. This collaborative approach underscores a shared commitment to deepening the special strategic partnership between the UAE and the Republic of Korea, laying a solid foundation for peace and prosperity for future generations. They also agreed to hold regular meetings to deepen the special strategic partnership between the UAE and the Republic of Korea.