Abu dhabi: As part of Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to build and strengthen relations with trade partners and leading economies in the world, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) is leading a high-level delegation from the emirate to the Republic of Korea from 15th to 17th September 2026. The visit aims to build upon the Special Strategic Partnership between the UAE and the Republic of Korea, established in 2018, to further cement a future-focused cooperation across vital sectors and industries, including water, healthcare, education, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, energy, space, and agriculture technologies.
According to Emirates News Agency, the delegation comprises senior leadership and representatives from over 88 public and private sector entities and institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), ADGM, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Hub71, Abu Dhabi Police, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), KEZAD, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Etihad Airways, Masdar City, Core42, and Al Liwan, the financial services and investment banking platform.
Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and Second Vice Chairman of ADCCI, stated that the UAE and the Republic of Korea have created pathways for economic transformations via emerging technologies. The partnership showcases a shared vision for diversified, resilient, sustainable, and future-ready economies. The visit aims to deepen partnerships by advancing collaboration in strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, water, healthcare, education, agriculture technologies, and energy under the guidance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
In 2025, bilateral trade between the UAE and the Republic of Korea exceeded US$19.8 billion, with non-oil trade rising 4.5% to US$6.9 billion, supported by key Abu Dhabi businesses. Opportunities for growth are encouraging Korean-owned companies to expand their presence in Abu Dhabi, witnessing a 5.8% rise in 2025. The visit will support this expansion and the strategic objectives of the Abu Dhabi-Seoul partnership.
The delegation plans to meet senior Korean government officials, business leaders, and investors to explore opportunities for advancing economic cooperation, bilateral trade, joint investments, and partnerships in sectors with high growth potential, such as agriculture technologies, healthcare, advanced technologies, renewable energy, financial services, logistics, and manufacturing.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) Seoul, scheduled for 16th September 2026, will gather Korean investors, business leaders, and decision-makers with senior representatives from Abu Dhabi's government and business ecosystem. Led by the ADIO in partnership with ADDED and ADGM, the forum will showcase investment opportunities across priority sectors and support bilateral engagement.
ADIF is a global investment platform connecting international investors and businesses with Abu Dhabi's growth opportunities. Following editions in major global centers, ADIF Seoul will continue to connect Korean investors with opportunities in Abu Dhabi and expand into regional and global markets.
The UAE's US$30 billion investment in Korean strategic sectors includes nuclear energy, hydrogen, renewable energy, semiconductors, and advanced technologies. Korea is also investing in the UAE Stargate project and the development of a significant AI data center in the UAE powered by nuclear, gas, and renewable energy.
The newly formed UAE-Korea Joint Business Council has activated sectoral working groups in AI, biotechnology, digital content, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Plans are underway for a dedicated industrial zone in Abu Dhabi for Korean manufacturing companies, further enhancing Abu Dhabi's role as a competitive industrial hub.