Korea-UAE $100 Billion Deal to Propel AI, Clean Energy, and Cultural Innovation

• Strategic agreement targets technological innovation and sustainability.
• Highlights include $100 billion Stargate Project and nuclear tech advancements.

On November 19, 2025, Cryptopolitan reported a major strategic agreement between South Korea and the UAE to propel global innovation through artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced industries. This collaboration was formalized during the Korea-UAE Business Roundtable in Abu Dhabi, held alongside South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit. The partnership supports the UAE's 'Centennial 2071' vision, aimed at positioning the nation as a global leader in innovation and sustainability.

South Korea was identified as a key partner in realizing the UAE's technological goals, particularly its ambition to become a global AI hub by 2030. Discussions focused on South Korea’s strengths in high-bandwidth memory semiconductor technology and engineering, procurement, and construction capabilities. President Lee highlighted the involvement of Korean corporations like Samsung and Hyundai Motors in the $100 billion UAE Stargate Project, which seeks to develop an advanced AI data campus in the region.

Clean energy cooperation emerged as a major priority. Building on their collaboration on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced plans to jointly develop next-generation nuclear technology. Initiatives include integrating artificial intelligence into nuclear plant operations and leveraging the UAE’s solar energy capabilities alongside Korean battery systems to meet carbon neutrality goals.

The agreement also emphasized expansion into cultural industries. Initiatives will target sectors like food, beauty, and content creation, supported by the Korea-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expected to take effect in early 2026. This represents a significant diversification from traditional areas such as defense and construction.

Industry leaders from both countries attended the roundtable, including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and UAE Crown Prince Khalid bin Muhammad Al Nahyan. Their presence underscored the high-level commitment to advancing technology, energy, and cultural collaboration to benefit both economies while driving global innovation objectives.