Republic of Korea and UAE deepen AI and semiconductor partnership through new investment forum
AI, semiconductors and data centres are driving deeper technology cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the UAE.
The Republic of Korea and the United Arab Emirates have expanded cooperation on AI infrastructure and semiconductors through a new bilateral investment forum focused on AI ecosystems, data centres and advanced chip technologies.
The forum, held in Seoul by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources alongside the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National AI Strategy Committee, brought together government officials, investors and technology firms from both countries. Discussions focused on practical cooperation across AI infrastructure, local-language AI models, semiconductors and industrial AI deployment.
A 25-member UAE delegation attended the event, including representatives from major investment and technology organisations such as Core42, MGX, Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the Technology Innovation Institute. Officials highlighted growing strategic competition around AI infrastructure and stressed the need for long-term international partnerships across the semiconductor and AI supply chain.
The discussions placed particular emphasis on low-power and high-efficiency AI infrastructure built around AI semiconductors, including neural processing units, alongside large-scale data centre development and AI service deployment. South Korean companies also presented investment proposals covering AI chips, infrastructure systems and industrial AI technologies during dedicated business sessions and networking meetings.
The initiative builds on expanding Republic of Korea–UAE cooperation following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit to the UAE in 2025 and the UAE’s previously announced $30 billion investment commitment.
Officials from both sides argued that combining UAE investment capacity with South Korean expertise in semiconductors, manufacturing and AI infrastructure could support joint technology development and future expansion into global markets.
Why does it matter?
AI competition is increasingly centred on infrastructure, semiconductors and strategic investment alliances instead of only AI models and software. The Republic of Korea-UAE agreement highlights growing efforts by countries to secure influence across the global AI supply chain through cross-border partnerships involving data centres, specialised AI chips and industrial deployment.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!