South Korea Eyes Expanded AI Partnership with UAE After Middle East Tensions Ease

A top South Korean presidential aide says artificial intelligence collaboration with the United Arab Emirates may grow once regional conflicts subside. The partnership centers on the massive Stargate AI data center project backed by the United States.

SEOUL, March 11 – A senior aide to South Korea’s president indicated Wednesday that the nation’s artificial intelligence partnership with the United Arab Emirates could expand significantly once Middle Eastern tensions diminish, as the UAE seeks to bolster its military defense systems.

Ha Jung-woo, who serves as the senior presidential secretary for AI, told reporters that enhanced collaboration appears likely. “We expect that cooperation (with the UAE) could accelerate further. Through this process, we believe there will be many opportunities for us to create together,” Ha stated during a media briefing.

The official noted that ongoing regional instability has created additional security concerns for the UAE. “Given the very complex situation currently unfolding in the Middle East, there is also a growing need for the UAE to significantly strengthen its defence capabilities,” Ha explained, while emphasizing that discussions with UAE officials have persisted despite the “very difficult environment.”

The foundation for this partnership was established last year when South Korea committed to participating in the United States-supported Stargate initiative, which aims to construct an enormous artificial intelligence data facility in the Gulf nation.

Following a high-level meeting between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, South Korea pledged assistance in developing computational infrastructure and energy systems for what would become the globe’s most extensive AI data center complex outside American borders.

The Korean commitment encompasses building an electrical grid for the UAE’s Stargate facility utilizing nuclear energy, natural gas, and sustainable power sources, while simultaneously expanding AI sector collaboration across investment, infrastructure development, supply networks, and scientific research.

As the headquarters for major semiconductor manufacturers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, South Korea is positioning itself as a regional artificial intelligence center, with President Lee making AI investment a priority to stimulate economic growth amid concerns over potential U.S. trade restrictions affecting the broader economic landscape.