Abu Dhabi is widening its economic reach into Asia. This time, one of the emirate’s broadest business delegations is heading to the Republic of Korea.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry led a high-level delegation to South Korea from September 15 to 17, 2026. More than 88 public and private-sector entities joined the mission. As a result, trade, investment and technology cooperation were firmly on the agenda.
The visit builds on the UAE and South Korea’s Special Strategic Partnership. Now, the two sides are looking beyond conventional trade. Artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy, water technology, education, space and agricultural technology are sectors in focus.
More Than 88 Abu Dhabi Entities Join Korea Mission
The scale of the delegation gave the visit added significance. Abu Dhabi brought together government entities, financial centres, industrial players, technology companies and major private businesses under one economic mission. Participants included the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Abu Dhabi Customs, Hub71, KEZAD, Emirates Global Aluminium, Etihad Airways, Masdar City and Core42, among others. Moreover, the diversity of the delegation showed that Abu Dhabi is approaching South Korea through several sectors rather than relying on one area of cooperation.
Abu Dhabi Targets New Korean Investment
Discussions during the visit focused on attracting Korean investors. At the same time, this helped Abu Dhabi-based companies build stronger commercial links in South Korea. Meetings covered opportunities across advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology, healthcare, renewable energy, financial services, logistics and emerging technologies. Artificial intelligence also featured prominently, reflecting the growing role of AI in both economies. For Korean companies, Abu Dhabi offers access to the UAE and wider Middle East. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi businesses gain stronger connections to one of Asia’s most advanced industrial and technology markets.
UAE-Korea Trade Provides a Strong Foundation
The relationship already has substantial commercial activity behind it. Bilateral trade between the UAE and South Korea exceeded US$19.8 billion in 2025. Meanwhile, non-oil trade reached about US$6.9 billion. The number of Korean-owned companies operating in Abu Dhabi also increased during the year. The UAE-Republic of Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force in May 2026. It is expected to strengthen those flows further by reducing tariffs and improving market access for businesses on both sides.
Abu Dhabi Investment Forum Highlights Growth Opportunities
The Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Seoul formed a major part of the visit. Led by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Abu Dhabi Global Market, the forum brought Korean investors together with senior representatives from Abu Dhabi’s government and business community. Furthermore, discussions centred on investment opportunities across financial services, technology, industry and other high-growth sectors. The forum gave Korean companies direct access to organisations responsible for supporting business expansion in the emirate.
Free Zones Could Play a Bigger Role in Korean Expansion
Abu Dhabi’s free zones and specialised economic hubs were closely linked to the delegation’s investment message. ADGM, KEZAD, Masdar City and Hub71 each represent different parts of the emirate’s business ecosystem, from financial services and startups to manufacturing and clean technology. Their participation gives Korean companies several options when considering where to establish regional operations. In addition, plans for a dedicated industrial zone for Korean manufacturing companies could strengthen that position further by offering a focused base for production and regional distribution.
US$30 Billion Commitment Deepens Strategic Cooperation
The wider UAE-South Korea relationship also includes major investment commitments. The UAE has committed US$30 billion to strategic sectors in South Korea, with areas such as renewable energy, nuclear energy, hydrogen, semiconductors and advanced technology among the priorities. South Korean companies are also becoming more involved in technology and infrastructure projects in the UAE. This two-way investment flow suggests that the relationship is moving beyond traditional trade. It is moving towards long-term cooperation in industries considered important to both economies.
Business Matchmaking Opens Door to Direct Partnerships
The delegation also included business matchmaking sessions designed to turn government-level cooperation into direct commercial partnerships. Companies from Abu Dhabi and South Korea discussed opportunities across artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, robotics, industrial development and food-related industries. These meetings gave businesses the chance to explore joint ventures, investment opportunities and potential market entry strategies. For Abu Dhabi, that practical engagement is important because it can turn diplomatic and investment missions into actual commercial activity.
Abu Dhabi-Korea Cooperation Moves Into a New Phase
Abu Dhabi’s South Korea mission reflects a broader effort to deepen relationships with high-value international markets. The focus on artificial intelligence, manufacturing, clean energy, healthcare and financial technology shows where much of that cooperation is heading. Free zones and economic hubs are likely to remain central to the strategy. As a result, Abu Dhabi looks to attract Korean companies seeking a base in the UAE and wider region. The next stage will depend on how many of the discussions and agreements made during the visit develop into new investments, company expansions and long-term projects.
Sources
Abu Dhabi Global Market — Abu Dhabi Chamber leads emirate delegation to Republic of Korea to strengthen future-oriented cooperation
https://www.adgm.com/media/announcements/abu-dhabi-chamber-leads-emirate-delegation-to-republic-of-korea-to-strengthen-future-oriented-cooperation
Abu Dhabi Media Office — Abu Dhabi Chamber leads emirate delegation to Republic of Korea to strengthen future-oriented cooperation
https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/economy/abu-dhabi-chamber-leads-emirate-delegation-to-republic-of-korea-to-strengthen-future-oriented-cooperation-2026/
Abu Dhabi Chamber — Seoul-Abu Dhabi Business Matchmaking Forum
https://www.abudhabichamber.ae/en/media-centre/news/AbuDhabi-Chamber-Seoul-2026
UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade — UAE-Korea CEPA
https://www.trade.gov.ae/fi/uae-korea-cepa
Emirates News Agency — UAE-Korea CEPA enters into force
https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bzz6pup-uae-korea-cepa-officially-enters-into-force-1st