SEOUL, December 19, 2025: The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in energy, industry, and advanced technology during an official visit by Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO. The visit included high-level meetings with senior Korean officials and leading private-sector executives focused on expanding bilateral economic and technological collaboration. Dr. Al Jaber was accompanied by Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, and Hasan Jasem Nasser Al Nowais, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The delegation’s agenda included a series of discussions designed to deepen partnerships in energy, trade, manufacturing, and innovation-based industries.
In talks with Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the UAE’s longstanding partnership with Korea, describing it as a cornerstone of the countries’ shared economic and industrial progress. He reaffirmed that the relationship between the two nations is built on trust and mutual respect, with both governments emphasizing the importance of reliable energy supplies and sustainable development. During his meeting with Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, discussions focused on expanding joint clean energy initiatives and advancing low-carbon technologies. Both sides reviewed opportunities in renewable energy, hydrogen, and carbon capture to enhance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The ministers emphasized continued cooperation to align with their respective national energy transition frameworks. Dr. Al Jaber also met with Kim Jung-Kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources, to address industrial competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and future industries.
The discussions centered on the integration of advanced technology and innovation to support economic diversification and industrial modernization. The ministers examined ways to strengthen collaboration in areas such as smart manufacturing, materials engineering, and technology development. In addition to government meetings, Dr. Al Jaber held discussions with senior executives from major Korean corporations and state entities, including Youngjin Jang, Chairman and President of Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE); Yongsoo Huh, Vice Chairman and CEO of GS Energy; Saehong Hur, Vice Chairman and CEO of GS Caltex; Jongsoo Lee, CEO of SK E&S; Hojun Jang, CEO of SK TI; and Dong Kwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group. These meetings addressed the potential for broader collaboration across the energy value chain, including crude oil storage, gas and liquefied natural gas, hydrogen development, and renewable energy deployment.
Bilateral talks focus on energy transition and clean technology
Both sides discussed facilitating joint investments and industrial ventures to expand their energy and technology partnership. The UAE and Korea have maintained strong economic relations supported by growing trade and industrial ties. In 2024, total bilateral trade reached approximately US$22.9 billion, including petroleum and non-oil products. Non-oil trade between the two countries totaled US$6.6 billion, marking a 15 percent increase compared with 2023. The UAE is Korea’s second-largest trading partner among GCC countries, accounting for about 32 percent of Korean exports to the region. The Republic of Korea ranks as the UAE’s 28th largest global trading partner. Over the past five years, non-oil trade between the UAE and Korea has expanded by more than 80 percent, reflecting increased economic diversification and mutual investment flows. Imports rose by 48 percent during that period, while exports recovered by 35 percent following the global downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
UAE-Korea partnership continues to expand across critical sectors
Despite a 25 percent decline in 2024 compared with 2023, both nations continued to register sustained growth in high-value sectors such as energy equipment, chemicals, and manufactured goods. Dr. Al Jaber’s visit reinforced the importance of continued collaboration between the UAE and Korea in industries critical to energy security, technological innovation, and economic resilience. The meetings underscored both nations’ focus on enhancing the scope of their cooperation through trade, research, and industrial exchange. The UAE’s engagement in Korea follows a series of international partnerships aimed at supporting sustainable industrial growth, diversifying its energy portfolio, and fostering technological advancement. The UAE-Korea relationship remains a model of bilateral cooperation anchored in shared economic interests and long-term partnership. With expanding collaboration in clean energy, industrial innovation, and advanced technology, both countries continue to strengthen their strategic ties, supporting stable and mutually beneficial growth across key sectors. – By Content Syndication Services.