Abu Dhabi Chamber leads emirate delegation to South Korea to deepen future-focused cooperation
A high-level Abu Dhabi delegation visits Seoul from 15–17 September 2026 to expand trade and investment ties across AI, energy, healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture technologies.
Abu Dhabi delegation heads to Seoul to advance strategic economic ties
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) is leading a senior emirate delegation to the Republic of Korea from 15 to 17 September 2026 as part of efforts to broaden cooperation with a longstanding strategic partner.
Comprising leaders and representatives from more than 88 public and private entities, the group includes officials from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Hub71, Abu Dhabi Police and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC). Key corporates and platforms represented include KEZAD, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Etihad Airways, Masdar City, Core42 and Al Liwan.
The visit seeks to build on the UAE–Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership, established in 2018, by accelerating collaboration in sectors identified as priorities for both sides: artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, water, healthcare, education, agriculture technologies, energy and space.
Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development and Second Vice Chairman of ADCCI, said the trip aims to deepen bilateral engagement by advancing cooperation where emerging technologies and innovative solutions can underpin resilient and diversified economies. He highlighted the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as an enabling framework for future projects and investments.
Economic ties between the UAE and Korea have been growing. In 2025 bilateral trade exceeded US$19.8 billion, with non-oil trade rising 4.5% to US$6.9 billion. Korean-owned companies are increasing their presence in Abu Dhabi, with a reported 5.8% rise in 2025, a trend the delegation intends to support.
Central to the visit is the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) Seoul on 16 September 2026. Led by ADIO in partnership with ADDED and ADGM, the forum will present investment opportunities across priority sectors and facilitate meetings between Korean investors and Abu Dhabi’s government and business ecosystem. ADIF is part of a wider global platform that has previously convened in Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, London, Mumbai and Milan.
The UAE has pledged US$30 billion in strategic investments in Korea across areas including nuclear energy, hydrogen, renewables, semiconductors and advanced technologies. Korean participation in UAE projects already includes involvement in the Stargate development and plans for a major AI data centre powered by mixed energy sources. The newly formed UAE–Korea Joint Business Council has activated working groups on AI, biotechnology, digital content, energy and advanced manufacturing, while planning continues for a dedicated industrial zone in Abu Dhabi for Korean manufacturers.
The delegation’s programme will include meetings with Korean government officials, business leaders and potential investors to explore joint ventures, trade expansion and sectoral partnerships intended to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role as an investment and industrial hub.
Source: WAM