Strengthening Ties: KOTRA and Dubai Future Foundation Collaborate for AI Advancement
A New Era of Cooperation
The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) has taken a significant step in fostering collaboration between Korean companies and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by partnering with the Dubai Future Foundation. This partnership aims to facilitate the entry of Korean firms into the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology.
On September 9, KOTRA announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Dubai Future Foundation headquarters. This agreement is designed to enhance the presence of Korean tech companies in the Middle East while bolstering digital cooperation between the two nations.
Aligning with UAE’s Vision
This MOU is strategically aligned with the UAE’s national priorities, particularly the “AI Strategy 2031” and the “DUB.AI” initiative, which focuses on the generalization of AI in Dubai. KOTRA’s role will involve facilitating connections between local project owners and Korean enterprises, thereby laying a solid groundwork for Korean firms to engage in public sector projects.
The UAE has already made substantial investments in its future strategy, including a $10 billion fund known as MGX, aimed at accelerating the development of AI infrastructure. This includes the establishment of global data centers, which are crucial for supporting AI initiatives.
Leading the Charge in Advanced Technology
The Dubai Future Foundation, operating under the leadership of Crown Prince Hamdan, serves as a pivotal player in the region’s technological landscape. It organizes major events such as AI Week and GITEX (UAE Dubai Information and Communication Exhibition), which showcase cutting-edge advancements in technology. Additionally, the Foundation is collaborating with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on an urban air mobility (AAM) project, with plans for initial commercialization by 2026.
Opportunities for Korean Companies
In light of these developments, KOTRA has initiated several key programs, including personalized business meetings linked to exhibitions like GITEX, investor relations pitching conferences, and consultations with project owners from the RTA. During “AI Week 2025,” held in April, eight promising Korean companies, including Naver Cloud and Nota, received invitations to participate. Nota, in particular, made headlines by becoming the first startup to secure a contract with the RTA for on-device generative AI solutions.
Building Practical Cooperation Platforms
The MOU sets the stage for practical cooperation between KOTRA and the Dubai Future Foundation. Plans include expanding joint programs during AI Week, developing proof-of-concept (PoC) models related to public procurement, and organizing investment briefings in collaboration with sovereign wealth funds. Furthermore, there will be active support for Korean companies specializing in battery technology and vertiport infrastructure as part of the 2026 urban air mobility demonstration project.
Vision for the Future
Alia Al Mur, Chief Partnerships Officer of the Dubai Future Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, “Korea is a model country for technology-intensive digital innovation. We look forward to seeing Korea’s outstanding technology companies participate in Dubai’s future vision across various fields, including smart cities, mobility, and healthcare.”
Kang Kyungseong, President of KOTRA, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Dubai’s emergence as a global hub for AI and digital industries. He noted, “Through this agreement, we will create a springboard for our companies to directly participate in future projects in the Middle East and further accelerate AI and digital cooperation between Korea and the UAE.”
This partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey toward enhanced technological collaboration, paving the way for innovative solutions that could benefit both nations in the years to come.
