South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has commenced a significant state visit to the United Arab Emirates, marking a pivotal moment in the strategic partnership between the two nations. The President arrived in Abu Dhabi on November 17, 2025, for a three-day official visit that forms part of his broader 10-day, four-nation tour across the Middle East.
Grand Welcome and Strategic Importance
The UAE rolled out an impressive welcome ceremony for President Lee, demonstrating the special relationship between the countries. As the presidential aircraft entered UAE airspace, it received a formal military jet escort, while the renowned Al Fursan aerobatic team performed a spectacular flypast at Qasr Al Watan, trailing smoke in the colors of the South Korean flag.
The UAE stands as the only country in the Middle East region with which South Korea maintains a Special Strategic Partnership, underscoring the unique nature of their bilateral relationship. This visit represents President Lee's first official trip to the Middle East since assuming office.
Powerful Business Delegation and Economic Agenda
Accompanying President Lee was a formidable business delegation dubbed "Team Korea," featuring top executives from leading South Korean corporations. The delegation included Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, highlighting the commercial focus of this diplomatic mission.
The economic discussions centered around several key pillars of cooperation:
- $30 Billion Investment Commitment: Building on the UAE's 2023 pledge to invest $30 billion in strategic sectors within South Korea
- Trade Expansion: With non-oil trade between the nations reaching $6.6 billion in 2024, showing consistent annual growth
- CEPA Implementation: Both leaders explored ways to advance the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed in 2024, which aims to eliminate tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade
Energy, Defense and Technology Cooperation
The two countries celebrated their successful collaboration in the energy sector, particularly the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant constructed by South Korean companies. The facility now generates approximately 25% of the UAE's electricity requirements, serving as a landmark achievement in their partnership.
Looking ahead, both nations agreed to expand cooperation into Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and explore joint ventures in third-country nuclear power plant markets.
In defense cooperation, the UAE made history in 2022 by becoming the first foreign nation to acquire the Cheongung-II surface-to-air missile system in a $3.5 billion agreement. During the current visit, South Korean defense companies showcased advanced weapon systems including the K9 self-propelled howitzer and Redback infantry fighting vehicle.
The technological partnership extends to cutting-edge fields, with President Lee emphasizing South Korea's capability to supply advanced AI memory semiconductors required for the UAE's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.
Strategic Gateway to Broader Markets
President Lee positioned the UAE as a "strategic gateway" and "base camp" for South Korean companies and professionals seeking to expand into wider markets across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. He expressed his vision for the relationship to evolve from "brotherly nation" status into a shared "economic community."
The state visit represents a carefully orchestrated effort to transform strong diplomatic signals into concrete commercial and technological collaborations. Observers anticipate formal announcements regarding trade frameworks, investment agreements, and sector-specific memoranda of understanding that will convert diplomatic goodwill into tangible projects and employment opportunities.
The outcomes of this high-profile visit are expected to significantly influence South Korea's economic engagement with the Middle East while strengthening the UAE's position as a key strategic partner in Asia.
