Post by : Badri Ariffin

The UAE's Ministry of Investment has spearheaded a prominent delegation to South Korea aimed at bolstering collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor technology while exploring fresh investment avenues throughout the tech landscape.

Leading the delegation was Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry, alongside Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Ambassador to South Korea. Notable UAE enterprises and institutions joining included Core42, MGX, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), along with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

During this visit, the UAE representatives attended the “Korea-UAE AI Infrastructure and Semiconductor Investment Cooperation Forum,” which was co-hosted by various Korean government bodies such as the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Presidential Council on National AI Strategy.

The forum was a product of a collaborative working group established after the UAE's state visit to Korea in November 2025, with a strong emphasis on fostering enduring cooperation in AI infrastructure, models, and services.

Discussions revolved around accelerating the development of the AI ecosystem and reinforcing collaboration in a competitive global tech landscape. A high-level panel reviewed viable cooperation models and investment prospects.

Korean firms introduced proposals concerning vital sectors like AI semiconductors and infrastructure.

Furthermore, the UAE delegation inspected advanced semiconductor and tech facilities in South Korea to reinforce partnerships across the AI supply chain, supporting the UAE’s ambition to be a global AI hub.

The Emirates also emphasized the robust investment relationship with South Korea, highlighted by a $30 billion investment commitment unveiled in 2023. Their collaboration has included significant projects like Korea’s involvement in the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and the UAE’s Stargate AI data centre campus.

Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi remarked that the UAE-Korea partnership is solidifying, propelled by mutual aspirations in technological advancements and innovation.

Ryu Je Myung, Second Vice Minister at Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, stated that true AI competitiveness hinges on a comprehensive ecosystem that includes semiconductors, data centres, models, and services. He indicated that both nations will collaborate on practical initiatives, such as developing energy-efficient AI data centres and participating in UAE AI projects.

This visit epitomizes the UAE’s wider strategy to enhance global partnerships in key sectors, reinforcing its stature as an international AI leader.

#world news #Global News #Dubai News #UAE News