The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Korea have taken a significant step toward strengthening their bilateral ties with the issuance of a joint declaration during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Abu Dhabi. The declaration, described as ‘a new leap toward a shared journey for the next century,’ outlines expanded cooperation across several strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, civil nuclear energy, defence technology, water management, public health, and education. The agreement was reached during a meeting between President Lee and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two nations have committed to enhancing water innovation ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, improving healthcare through the establishment of a Pre-Post Care Center and a K-Medical Cluster, and fostering educational exchanges via training and youth programs. In the defence sector, the partnership will focus on joint development, technology collaboration, and localized production, emphasizing knowledge transfer and capacity building. Additionally, the UAE and South Korea will strengthen their collaboration in civil nuclear energy, particularly in nuclear fuel, maintenance, and digital transformation at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The two countries also plan to promote the Barakah model internationally and advance clean-energy goals through next-generation nuclear technologies and AI-driven efficiency improvements. A notable highlight of the partnership is the UAE’s involvement in the US-backed Stargate project, which aims to build a massive AI data campus in the Gulf region. The first phase, Stargate UAE, will be developed by UAE firm G42 in collaboration with US tech giants OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, and Cisco Systems, as well as Japan’s SoftBank Group. The joint declaration also outlines plans for a high-level inter-ministerial dialogue on responsible AI governance, cybersecurity, and semiconductor ecosystem resilience. Furthermore, the UAE and South Korea are exploring the establishment of ‘K-City,’ a hub designed to serve as a one-stop destination for Korean culture, food, and business in the Middle East. This initiative aims to position the UAE as the region’s cultural and economic gateway to South Korea.