UAE Advances AI and Semiconductor Ties with South Korea

A high-profile delegation from the UAE Ministry of Investment traveled to South Korea with the aim of reinforcing cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor technology while identifying new investment prospects across the technology landscape.

Led by Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the ministry, the group included notable figures such as Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, the UAE Ambassador to South Korea, along with representatives from key UAE institutions and companies, including Core42, MGX, the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), Mubadala, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

The delegation engaged in discussions during the recently held “Korea-UAE AI Infrastructure and Semiconductor Investment Cooperation Forum,” which was co-organized by various Korean governmental entities including the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Presidential Council on National AI Strategy.

This forum was established following a joint working group formed during the UAE's state visit to Korea in November 2025, concentrating on fostering deep-rooted partnerships in AI infrastructure, models, and services.

Discussions centered on accelerating the development of the AI ecosystem and enhancing collaboration in a fiercely competitive global technology environment. A senior panel explored practical cooperation frameworks and investment paths.

Korean companies put forth proposals emphasizing critical areas such as AI semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and advanced AI technologies.

As part of the delegation’s agenda, members toured state-of-the-art semiconductor and technological facilities in South Korea to fortify collaborations across the AI supply chain, aligning with the UAE's ambition to become a premier global AI hub.

The UAE underscored its significant investment ties with South Korea, showcasing a $30 billion investment pledge revealed earlier in 2023. Notably, both nations have collaborated on significant ventures, including Korea’s involvement in the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and the UAE’s Stargate AI data centre campus.

Alhawi remarked on the robust growth of the partnership between the UAE and Korea, fueled by mutual aspirations in technological innovations and future advancements.

Ryu Je Myung, Second Vice Minister at Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT, emphasized that AI competitiveness hinges on a comprehensive ecosystem that encompasses semiconductors, data centers, models, and services. He further added that collaboration will extend to practical projects, including energy-efficient AI data centers and participation in UAE-led AI initiatives.

This visit exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to broadening its global alliances in key sectors, enhancing its stature as a leading international AI hub.