UAE Business Forum spotlights strategic ties, emerging opportunities for Korea-UAE collaboration
From left, Oh Young-jin, president and publisher of The Korea Times, UAE Ambassador to Seoul Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, and Khalid Al Marzooqi, vice president of International Business Development at KEZAD Group, pose during the UAE Business Forum at Seoul Partners House, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Partnership between Korea and the United Arab Emirates has evolved into a model of regional cooperation, and economic cooperation can further improve in sectors such as energy and biotech, top officials from the UAE said Friday.
They underscored the importance of strategic ties between the two nations at a UAE Business Forum, which was held under The Korea Times' Global Business Club (GBC) and jointly hosted by the newspaper, UAE Embassy in Korea, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) Group and UAE Youth Councils.
Bringing together senior government officials, business leaders and young professionals, the forum highlighted the growing depth and diversity of Korea-UAE relations, spanning clean energy, advanced manufacturing, biotech and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
Delivering the welcoming address, UAE Ambassador to Seoul Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi emphasized that the bilateral relationship has evolved into a model of regional cooperation.
“The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea partnership is poised to become a model of economic cooperation between the Middle East and East Asia,” he said. “By leveraging complementary strengths in biotech, health care, energy, advanced technology and innovation, both nations pledged to create a resilient and diversified economic relationship.”
UAE Ambassador to Seoul Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi gives an opening speech during the UAE Business Forum at Seoul Partners Hosue, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
The ambassador pointed to the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the two nations and KEZAD’s strategic location as key enablers of deeper integration and broader market access.
“This forum represents more than just an exchange of ideas — it is a platform for unlocking new opportunities and enhancing the bridge between our two nations,” he added.
Khalid Al Marzooqi, vice president of International Business Development at KEZAD Group, speaks during the UAE Business Forum in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Khalid Al Marzooqi, vice president of International Business Development at KEZAD Group, detailed how the UAE’s largest integrated economic zone is driving this partnership forward.
“The UAE is Korea's second-largest Arab trade partner and its 14th globally. These figures are not just statistics. They reflect decades of trust, and more importantly, a shared vision for the future,” he said.
With more than 2,100 companies operating across KEZAD’s 12 zones, and purpose-built SME hubs and incubation services, Al Marzooqi positioned KEZAD as a launchpad for Korean firms looking to expand into the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
“KEZAD is a gateway for Korean companies seeking to access not just the UAE, but also the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), Asia and Africa — three of the world’s fastest-growing markets,” he said.
Oh Young-jin, president and publisher of The Korea Times, speaks during the UAE Business Forum in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Oh Young-jin, president and publisher of The Korea Times, highlighted the role of media and dialogue in fostering global partnerships.
“Thanks to our online and offline platforms, The Korea Times will be sharing today’s discussions with hundreds of thousands of readers and viewers — eager to learn more about the dynamic business opportunities in the UAE, and with KEZAD in particular,” Oh said.
He described KEZAD’s ecosystem as “opening doors for SMEs (small and medium-size businesses) with attractive terms, streamlined processes and access to vast markets.”
The forum also featured Shaikha Al Suwaidi, project and logistics coordinator of the UAE Youth Council in Korea, who underlined the next generation’s role in advancing bilateral economic diplomacy.
“It is truly our honor to celebrate the UAE Business Forum in partnership with KEZAD Group and The Korea Times,” she said in her congratulatory remarks. “The UAE is internationally well-known for its government innovation and proactive approach to global issues like economic sustainability, tech infrastructure and climate action.”
Shaikha Al Suwaidi, project and logistics coordinator of the UAE Youth Council in Korea, gives a congratulatory speech during the UAE Business Forum in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Representing the youth wing of UAE diplomacy, Al Suwaidi said the UAE Youth Council is positioned to serve as a strategic asset.
“We build international connections and prepare ourselves to represent Emirati values in global business and diplomacy,” she said. “Our entity serves as a platform for transferring knowledge and best practices that bridge future business endeavors and strengthen bilateral partnerships.”
She encouraged participants to view the forum not as a one-off event but as a catalyst for sustained cooperation.
“On this platform of the UAE Business Forum, we wish all participants seek common ground and shape the discussion toward business opportunities — to make these forum embers become a torch,” she said.
As the UAE accelerates investment in its “We the UAE 2031” strategy and Korea continues to expand its global industrial reach, the forum reinforced that strong foundations — shared values, long-term planning and multigenerational engagement — will drive the next chapter in Korea-UAE business collaboration.