Sheikha Latifa forges cultural and educational ties with South Korea in Seoul

Leading a high-level delegation, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum explores partnerships spanning education, creative industries and digital innovation during meetings with Seoul's government and business leaders.

In Seoul, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has been conducting a series of meetings that reflect the evolving relationship between the United Arab Emirates and South Korea. The discussions, held with ministers, senior officials and technology leaders, centre on shared interests in education, cultural exchange, creative industries, digital transformation and advanced technology.

The visit commenced with a meeting between Sheikha Latifa and Choi Kyo-jin, South Korea’s Minister of Education. The conversation turned to how both nations approach educational development in an era of rapid technological change. Central to their discussion was the potential for strengthening partnerships between educational institutions across the UAE and South Korea, alongside the exchange of innovative teaching methodologies that enhance both the quality of instruction and learning outcomes.

Chae Hwi-young, South Korea’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, welcomed Sheikha Latifa to explore avenues for deeper cooperation in culture, tourism and the creative industries. The meeting emphasised building enduring partnerships that would nurture these sectors, facilitate meaningful cultural exchange and create pathways for creative talent to flourish across both nations. As we reported in our coverage of landmark leadership partnerships between Dubai and global institutions, such collaborative frameworks continue to establish Dubai as a focal point for international dialogue and knowledge sharing.

Sheikha Latifa also met with Chung Young-jun, Director General of the Digital City Bureau at Seoul Metropolitan Government, to understand Seoul’s approach to urban digital transformation. The discussions centred on technological solutions that enhance government services and facilitate more streamlined urban management.

A visit to LG Science Park provided Sheikha Latifa with insight into cutting-edge research and development. Ko Yoon-joo, President of LG Global Strategy Center, shared the park’s philosophy of transforming research into practical applications through technological advancement. At The Pinkfong Company, Sheikha Latifa met Kim Min-seok, its CEO and Co-Founder, to learn about the company’s distinctive approach to creating children’s entertainment content for global audiences. The discussion explored how digital media and innovation propel the creation and international reach of creative content, alongside opportunities for bilateral cooperation in these dynamic sectors.

The delegation was accompanied by Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, and Aisha Miran, Director General of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority, along with senior South Korean government officials.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

These meetings strengthen the UAE’s position as a nation deeply committed to fostering international partnerships in sectors that define modern economies: education, culture, creativity and technology. The exchanges with South Korea’s leadership reflect a shared vision for progress and innovation, anchoring the UAE’s role in global conversations about how nations develop talent, foster cultural understanding and harness technological change for the benefit of their citizens.

For Abu Dhabi and Dubai specifically, such partnerships expand the horizons for collaboration with one of Asia’s most dynamic economies. As reflected in Sheikha Latifa’s observations on trust as a city’s defining asset, these diplomatic and commercial connections reinforce the values of openness, exchange and mutual respect that define the emirates’ approach to building a connected world.

Source: WAM