Dubai, UAE — December 2025 — The bilateral relationship between the UAE and Korea is set to strengthen in strategic sectors including energy, industry and advanced technology, following an official visit led by the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.
Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, who’s also the Managing Director & Group CEO of ADNOC, visited the Republic of Korea to enhance strategic cooperation, as reported by the Emirates News Agency.
The visit, attended by UAE Ambassador Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi and Undersecretary Hasan Jasem Nasser Al Nowais, featured a series of high-level meetings with government and private-sector leaders.
In discussions with Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun, Al Jaber reaffirmed the UAE leadership’s commitment to deepening the special strategic partnership between the two nations.
He emphasized Korea’s role as a primary partner in ensuring energy security and advancing industrial growth, underscoring a UAE approach built on sustainable development, mutual respect, and constructive cooperation.
Further government dialogues aimed to broaden collaborative horizons. A meeting with Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy & Environment, centered on expanding partnerships in clean energy projects and low-carbon technologies.
Talks with Kim Jung-Kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Resources, focused on advanced technology, future industries, and strengthening supply chains to boost mutual industrial competitiveness and economic interests.
The visit also included extensive engagement with major Korean corporate leaders. Dr. Al Jaber met with senior executives from key entities including Korea Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE), GS Energy, GS Caltex, SK E&S, SK TI, and the Hanwha Group.
These conversations explored avenues for expanded cooperation across the entire energy value chain—from crude oil storage and gas to liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, and renewable energy—while identifying new cross-investment opportunities.
The robust trade relationship between the UAE and Korea provides a strong foundation for these enhanced partnerships. Bilateral trade reached approximately $22.9 billion in 2024, inclusive of petroleum products, with non-oil trade alone accounting for $6.6 billion, a 15 percent annual increase.
The UAE stands as Korea’s second-largest trading partner in the GCC, receiving 32 percent of Korean exports to the region. Notably, non-oil trade has surged by over 80 percent in the past five years, driven by significant growth in imports and a post-pandemic recovery in exports, despite a recent cyclical adjustment.
