Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday at Qasr Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi. The official ceremony included all the elements expected during a state visit of this level – national anthems, a 21-gun salute and an honor guard.
As the South Korean president’s motorcade entered the inner courtyard, the UAE Air Force aerobatic team Al Fursan flew overhead, leaving a trail of smoke in the colors of South Korea’s flag. Emirati folklore groups performed traditional songs and dances, followed by horse and camel parades. Children carrying flags of both nations lined the route to greet the guest. This is President Lee’s first visit to the emirate since taking office.
The negotiation agenda includes strengthening economic and investment ties, developing the special strategic partnership and expanding the comprehensive economic partnership. Regional and international issues of mutual interest are also on the table.
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Trade between the countries has grown 40 percent in four years
The UAE and South Korea established diplomatic relations nearly 45 years ago. Still, genuine economic cooperation has grown significantly in the past decade – the special strategic partnership grants bilateral relations a priority status for both nations.
The value of non-oil trade between the UAE and South Korea reached USD 6.6 billion in 2024, up 11.4 percent compared to 2023. Over a more extended period, the growth is even more striking:
- plus 17.8 percent compared to 2022
- plus 40.8 percent compared to 2021
In the first half of 2025 alone, non-oil trade already exceeded USD 3.14 billion, suggesting the possibility of breaking last year’s record.
The comprehensive economic partnership agreement has become one of the key achievements of the UAE’s foreign trade program, which aims to raise non-oil trade value to over 4 trillion dirhams by 2031. The Dubai real estate news latest reports show rising interest from South Korean investors in commercial assets in Dubai’s business districts, especially after improved trade conditions. Once the agreement is fully implemented, investors and companies on both sides will benefit from the removal of most customs duties and the elimination of barriers in key sectors, including:
- energy and natural resources, where South Korea holds advanced technologies
- healthcare and medical equipment, rapidly expanding in the UAE
- high-tech industries such as electronics and semiconductors
- smart agriculture and the bioeconomy as promising fields for innovation
The agreement will also improve access to fast-growing markets across the Middle East and Asia, supporting regional expansion for companies from both countries.
South Korean firms are already deeply integrated into the UAE construction sector. Several major Seoul-based developers are involved in large-scale infrastructure and residential projects. Issues related to rental property maintenance Dubai often involve South Korean technologies, especially in air-conditioning systems, smart-home solutions and energy-efficient equipment for high-rise buildings.
The visit opens new directions in technology and investment
Talks between the presidents will go beyond trade in goods. The agenda includes direct investments, technology transfer and joint projects in third countries. The UAE is particularly interested in South Korean innovations in renewable energy, electric vehicle production and advanced manufacturing that uses automation and robotics.
South Korea, in turn, views the emirate as a strategic entry point to Middle Eastern and African markets, where the UAE’s logistics and infrastructure capabilities offer a significant competitive advantage.
The reception ceremony reflects the depth of bilateral relations. Military honors, aerobatic displays and cultural performances are reserved only for strategically important partners with long-term cooperation plans.
The program of the visit spans several days. Delegations will discuss concrete projects and sign letters of intent across multiple sectors. South Korean businesses have brought a portfolio of proposals for investment and technological cooperation. At the same time, the UAE side has prepared a roadmap of priority sectors where joint work could deliver quick results.
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The special strategic partnership between the UAE and South Korea goes far beyond standard trade agreements. The two countries coordinate positions on global issues, cooperate on security and exchange expertise in governance and economic development. President Lee’s visit strengthens this framework and opens a new chapter in bilateral relations, with a growing emphasis on technology and innovation.
