Korea to join UAE’s Stargate AI infrastructure project

President Lee Jae Myung talks with United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during their summit at the latter's presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, Tuesday. Yonhap

Korea will participate in the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure development project, widely known as Stargate UAE, which is set to become one of the world's largest, the presidential office said Tuesday.

The Stargate initiative, led by U.S. companies including OpenAI, involves building AI data centers in Abu Dhabi with an initial investment exceeding 30 trillion won ($22 billion) and a maximum capacity of up to 5 gigawatts.

The two countries announced the decision after President Lee Jae Myung’s bilateral summit with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during Lee’s state visit to the Middle Eastern country.

As the project is currently moving forward with plans to operate a 200-megawatt data center next year, Korea aims to leverage its strengths in energy, batteries, eco-friendly solutions and climate-tech. The initiative is also expected to create significant opportunities for Korean AI startups and data center specialists to expand their presence in the global market, according to Korean officials.

In addition to cooperation on the Stargate project, the two countries signed seven memorandums of understanding (MOUs) aimed at strengthening partnerships across advanced industries — including nuclear technology, AI, bio health, intellectual property and space, such as joint satellite development and satellite navigation infrastructure.

President Lee Jae Myung and United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hold a summit with officials from both countries at the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, Tuesday (local time). Yonhap

“This is my first visit to the Middle East since taking office less than six months ago, and the UAE is the first country I am visiting as a state guest,” Lee said during the summit. “Korea is ready for comprehensive cooperation for the next 100 years of partnership between the two nations. We have many areas in common that hold strategic importance, such as national security, defense, AI, nuclear power and health care.”

Lee highlighted the UAE's status as Korea’s only special strategic partner among Middle Eastern and African countries, noting past cooperation in the development of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and the deployment of the Korean Akh military unit to the nation.

He praised the UAE’s remarkable development, stating: “Despite being one of the world’s top six oil producers, your nation has achieved extraordinary progress not through natural resources but through technology and private-sector innovation.”

President Lee Jae Myung writes in the guestbook while visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday (local time). Joint Press Corps

The UAE president emphasized the uniqueness of the strategic partnership. He reaffirmed interest in strengthening collaboration in science and technology, particularly space, AI and defense cooperation. He also spoke highly of the Akh unit's presence, according to the Korean presidential office.

The headquarters building of ADNOC, the state-owned oil company of the United Arab Emirates, is illuminated with the image of the Korean national flag to celebrate President Lee Jae Myung’s state visit, Tuesday (local time). Joint Press Corps

Lee began a three-day state visit to the UAE on Monday (local time). According to presidential spokesperson Kim Nam-joon, as the presidential aircraft entered UAE airspace, four UAE Air Force fighter jets conducted an escort flight on both sides to formally welcome the president. At Abu Dhabi Airport, an official welcoming ceremony was held, featuring an honor guard, traditional performers and senior UAE officials greeting the Korean president and first lady Kim Hea Kyung.

Large displays of both nations’ flags were installed around key locations including Abu Dhabi Airport, the presidential palace, the Grand Mosque and the presidential residence. In particular, the Korean national flag displayed on the facade of the Ministry of Interior headquarters was the largest ever, according to UAE officials.

Major Abu Dhabi landmarks — such as ADNOC headquarters, Mubadala and ADGM — were illuminated with the colors of the Korean flag.