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South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT said the Abu Dhabi Investment Office held its first investment forum in Seoul on Wednesday, producing multiple memorandums of understanding with domestic companies. The pacts spanned digital assets, autonomous driving technology and the games sector. Among the participants were Hanwha Life Insurance Co. and Kakao Mobility, the ride-hailing unit of Kakao Corp.
According to the ministry, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum Seoul 2026 forms part of the ADIO’s global series of events aimed at drawing foreign investment into the UAE capital. This edition represented the initial staging of the forum in Seoul. The ADIO operates as a government agency dedicated to promoting Abu Dhabi’s appeal to international investors.
Second Vice Science Minister Ryu Jae-myung joined the proceedings and signaled Seoul’s readiness to deepen investment and industrial partnerships with the UAE in digital and frontier technologies, the ministry stated. His presence underscored the South Korean government’s support for expanded bilateral cooperation. The event took place as both countries continue to build on existing strategic ties.
The UAE committed to investing $30 billion in South Korea following high-level talks in 2023, a figure cited in multiple subsequent bilateral forums, according to the UAE Ministry of Investment. Earlier gatherings have addressed AI, semiconductors, manufacturing and life sciences. Wednesday’s forum extended that momentum into additional innovative domains.
The ADIF agenda included pitch sessions and networking opportunities for attendees at the JW Marriott Hotel, the official event page showed. Discussions emphasized Abu Dhabi’s role as a launchpad for expansion into emerging markets. Representatives from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development also addressed the gathering.
The science ministry has positioned such events as key to fostering long-term industry links between the two sides. South Korean firms have increasingly explored opportunities in the Gulf while UAE entities seek advanced technology partnerships. Further outcomes from the MOUs signed on Wednesday are expected to materialize in the coming months.
