Latest news with #UAE-Korea
Korea Herald
06-05-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
UAE seeks Korean partnerships in water management
The United Arab Emirates hoped for a deeper partnership with South Korea in water resource management in Seoul on Thursday. Speaking at the Sustainable Innovation Workshop co-hosted by the UAE Embassy in Seoul, the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi stressed how UAE-Korea public-private partnerships could address water scarcity and climate change. 'This (UAE-Korea) partnership would encompass joint initiatives, technology exchange and policy dialogue, reflecting a commitment to innovative solutions and mutual development,' according to Al Nuaimi. He encouraged stakeholders to get involved vigorously in sustainable water solutions with ambitious ideas, noting the UAE's production of 42 percent drinking water from over 70 desalination plants under its Water Security Strategy 2036. The workshop presented the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, which in 2023 launched the XPRIZE Water Scarcity, a $150 million global competition aimed at developing affordable, sustainable desalination technologies. 'The initiative was established under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, to enhance awareness of water scarcity, accelerate technological innovation and expand international cooperation,' said Al Nuaimi. 'Our first is XPRIZE Water Scarcity, which is humanity's largest-ever prize. It is an investment of $150 million made by the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative, with a prize purse of $119 million,' added Ayesha Al Ateeqi, executive director of the initiative. She noted that the competition has attracted nearly 150 companies worldwide, with four teams registered from Korea. 'We really would like to see much more representation from Korea, especially when we understand there are tremendous capabilities in Korea when it comes to water technologies,' she said. 'Registration for Track B, which is focused on membrane technologies, is also still open until the end of May,' Al Ateeqi added. Joining the workshop virtually from Dubai, Nujoud Abdalla, section manager at the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), described Dubai's data-driven approach to environmental sustainability, focusing on Dubai's biodiversity conservation, coastal management, air quality and public awareness. 'Our efforts are strengthened by data, technology and a smart commitment to creating a sustainable future for Dubai,' Abdalla said, sharing know-how about the protection of natural reserves, natural resources responsibly, safeguarding coastal environments and promoting air quality, while also empowering residents for environmental stewardship. Established in March 2024 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DECCA aims to make Dubai one of the most environmentally resilient cities in the world. Concluding the workshop, Saleh S. Alsharqi, Head of Economic Affairs at the UAE Embassy, emphasized the need for a strong UAE-Korea partnership on water security through initiatives like the Mohammed bin Zayed Water Initiative and DECCA, expressing hope that shared visions would translate into actionable, long-term collaboration. The event was attended by Korean academics, business leaders, NGOs, and media representatives, all exploring collaborative opportunities in sustainable water management. sanjaykumar@
Korea Herald
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
UAE promotes interfaith dialogue in Korea
The UAE Embassy in Seoul hosted an interfaith dialogue on Wednesday, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan. The event celebrated the tradition of iftar while underlining the UAE's core value of tolerance. In his remarks at the event, UAE Ambassador to Korea, Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, underscored his nation's commitment to tolerance and coexistence. He underscored the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Founding Father, in promoting these values globally. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who served as the UAE's first president from the country's formation on Dec. 2, 1971, was known for his deep religious faith, generosity and vision for a more connected world. The ambassador noted that Al Nahyan's legacy continues under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has positioned tolerance as a fundamental pillar of the UAE's national identity. In a press release shared with The Korea Herald on Thursday, the embassy reaffirmed its commitment to advancing dialogue and cooperation among diverse communities to build a more peaceful and tolerant world. Al Nuaimi highlighted the UAE's commitment to tolerance, citing the example of creating the Ministry of Tolerance and the declaration of 2019 as the "Year of Tolerance." 'Our goal has been to highlight the UAE as a capital for tolerance and a bridge of communication between different cultures,' he said, noting the opening of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi in 2023 as a milestone. The complex on Saadiyat Island consists of a mosque, a church and a synagogue, reflecting the deep-rooted value of peaceful coexistence within Emirati culture and its application in daily life. UAE has established Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in 2016 to implement the National Tolerance Program, endorsed by the Federal Cabinet. The ministry promotes tolerance, pluralism and peaceful coexistence through local and global engagement. Meanwhile, Al Nuami also underlined UAE-Korea ties built on mutual respect and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity. The UAE and South Korea established diplomatic ties in 1980, upgrading to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2018, the first in the Middle East. Ten Korean presidents have visited the UAE, with the last four making multiple trips. UAE leaders, including President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have also visited Korea, most recently in 2024. Since 2011, Korea's Akh Unit has been deployed in the UAE, underpinning military cooperation. The UAE president has called Korea a 'brother country' due to their close ties. Now-suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol's first-ever state visit to the UAE in January 2023 furthered bilateral cooperation in nuclear power, energy, investment, defense, space, smart farming and health care. Recognizing the top-down decision-making structure of Middle Eastern countries, Korea seeks to enhance high-level exchanges, with the UAE playing a key role in its National Security Strategy, and seeks to expand collaboration beyond traditional sectors like energy and infrastructure to nuclear power, hydrogen, space, public health and smart farming. The UAE hosts the largest Korean community in the Middle East and Africa, engaged in diverse occupations and academic fields. South Korea also views the UAE as a brother country. Al Nuami cited Ramadan as a reminder that our differences can be bridges rather than barriers, with our collective strength lying in our unity. sanjaykumar@
