President Lee Jae Myung and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday inked seven memorandums of understanding(MOU) spanning defense, artificial intelligence(AI) and a range of advanced industries.

The two countries first signed a partnership in advanced nuclear technologies, artificial intelligence and global market expansion, with the heads of Korea Electric Power Corporation and the UAE’s Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation serving as signatories.

They also adopted several additional agreements, including an MOU on AI cooperation and a strategic framework for AI collaboration. 

The list extended further into sectors such as biotech and intellectual property.

The two leaders' discussion at the UAE's presidential palace included an expanded 16-minute summit followed by a 41-minute one-on-one meeting. 

Lee said his early-term visit to the Middle East underscored Abu Dhabi's value as Seoul’s only designated special strategic partner in the region.

He also highlighted cooperation on the Barakah nuclear plant and the Akh unit as examples of the partnership’s success.

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Korea’s decision to make the UAE the first stop of Lee’s regional tour, saying the choice reflects the future direction of bilateral relations. 

He pointed to expanding investment, energy and technological cooperation and expressed hope for further joint work in space, AI and defense, adding that the two nations can move “beyond transactions and contracts” toward shared growth and long-term prosperity.