UAE Strengthens Ties with South Korea on AI and Semiconductors

A prominent delegation from the UAE Ministry of Investment traveled to South Korea, aiming to deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor technology while unveiling potential investment opportunities across the tech landscape.

Led by Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, the group included Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Ambassador to South Korea. Notable UAE organizations and firms such as Core42, MGX, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) participated, alongside Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

During their visit, the UAE delegation engaged in the “Korea-UAE AI Infrastructure and Semiconductor Investment Cooperation Forum,” co-organized with various South Korean governmental bodies such as the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Presidential Council on National AI Strategy.

This forum emerged from a joint working group formed following the UAE's state visit to South Korea in November 2025, focusing on cultivating long-lasting collaboration between the two nations in areas like AI infrastructure, models, and services.

Conversations centered around accelerating the growth of the AI ecosystem and fortifying partnerships within an intensely competitive global technology arena. A senior panel convened to discuss actionable cooperation models and investment prospects.

Korean participants shared innovative proposals related to AI semiconductors, infrastructure, and technology.

As part of their itinerary, the UAE delegation visited cutting-edge semiconductor and technology facilities in South Korea, reinforcing collaboration along the AI supply chain. This aligns with the UAE's ambition to emerge as a central global hub for AI.

The UAE underscored its robust investment ties with South Korea, which include a $30 billion investment commitment unveiled in 2023. Joint ventures have already seen success, with projects such as Korea's involvement in the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and the UAE's Stargate AI data center campus.

Alhawi mentioned that the partnership continues to strengthen, fueled by mutual objectives related to technology and innovation.

Ryu Je Myung, Second Vice Minister at Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, emphasized that AI competitiveness hinges on a comprehensive ecosystem comprising semiconductors, data centers, models, and services. He stated that both nations aim to collaborate on practical initiatives, including energy-efficient AI data centers and participation in UAE AI projects.

The visit underscores the UAE’s overarching aim to broaden international partnerships in priority sectors, solidifying its role as a leading global AI hub.