Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
UAE envoy reaffirms deepening partnership with Korea
United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi speaks during the country’s 54th National Day ceremony in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi highlighted the UAE’s rapid transformation, growing global influence and expanding partnership with Korea during a speech marking the country’s 54th National Day in Seoul on Thursday.
Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol, attending as guest of honor, praised the UAE’s development and pledged stronger bilateral cooperation.
Al Nuaimi said this year’s celebrations were held under the theme “United,” reflecting the cohesion and cooperative values at the foundation of the UAE. He noted that President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has designated 2025 as the “Year of Community,” underscoring the central role of Emirati society in the nation’s development.
Reviewing the UAE’s progress since its founding, the ambassador credited the country’s long-term strategy, human-centered development and investment in knowledge for turning the federation into “a unique model in nation-building, development and progress.” He cited achievements in space, clean energy, artificial intelligence (AI) and economic diversification, including the launch of “Falcon Arabic,” the first Arabic-language AI model in the Falcon series, and the opening of a 5-gigawatt AI complex in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the United States.
Al Nuaimi also underscored the UAE’s emphasis on coexistence and interfaith dialogue, pointing to the Abrahamic Family House and the country’s strong showing in the 2025 Global Soft Power Index. He said the UAE remains committed to multilateral cooperation and climate diplomacy, continuing work from COP28 in 2023.
Turning to Korea-UAE relations, the ambassador noted that ties have strengthened significantly since the two countries formed a Special Strategic Partnership in 2018. He highlighted President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit to the UAE last week and the longstanding cooperation on the Barakah nuclear power plant and the deployment of Korea’s Akh military unit. Both sides, he said, agreed to deepen the partnership to a “permanent and irreversible” level.
Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol speaks during the United Arab Emirates' 54th National Day ceremony in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
Koo, representing the Korean government, congratulated the UAE on its National Day and praised its rise as a regional hub connecting the Middle East and the world. He said the UAE’s progress — built on innovation, openness and inclusiveness — has earned deep respect from the Korean government and public.
Koo emphasized that Korea and the UAE have grown into indispensable partners in energy, construction, defense, advanced industry and people-to-people exchanges since establishing diplomatic ties in 1980. He described the Barakah nuclear plant as a “model of comprehensive cooperation,” extending beyond construction to include personnel training and operational collaboration.
He also recalled the UAE president's pledge in 2023 to make a $30 billion strategic investment in Korea, calling it a milestone that opened “a new chapter” in economic cooperation. Korea’s new government administration, he said, considers the UAE a priority partner and is committed to strengthening practical cooperation across defense, AI, nuclear energy, health care, culture and future technologies.
Koo noted that Lee’s visit to Abu Dhabi last week reaffirmed trust between the two nations and produced a joint declaration committing to a “100-year partnership” and deeper strategic ties. “Our hope is to advance our relationship into a future-oriented structure that delivers tangible outcomes and shared prosperity,” he said.