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South Korea’s IT Expansion into the Middle East

South Korea’s IT Expansion into the Middle East
Image Source: Emirates News Agency

South Korea’s National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) has launched the Korea IT Cooperation Centre UAE (KICC UAE) at Dubai Internet City. This new center is a strategic move to strengthen tech collaboration between South Korea and the UAE.

It is the first KICC location in the Middle East and joins a global network that includes hubs in Silicon Valley and Singapore. KICC UAE aims to facilitate the entry of South Korean tech companies into the Middle Eastern market.

The center fosters collaboration between Korean innovators and regional stakeholders, providing industry insights and offering a platform for talent development. Several leading South Korean tech firms, such as Wrtn Technologies and DeepNoid, have already established their presence at the center.

Driving Global Innovation and Bilateral Cooperation

The launch of KICC UAE highlights Dubai’s growing significance as a global tech hub. Positioned within Dubai Internet City, the center serves as a vital conduit for innovation and entrepreneurship in one of the largest technology districts in the region.

South Korean officials, including Vice Minister Kang Do-hyun, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for the digital sector, viewing it as a milestone for future tech partnerships.

Moreover, this center reinforces the bilateral relationship between the UAE and South Korea, which has gained momentum following the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May 2024. The agreement, which aims to double UAE’s non-oil trade by 2031, sets a strategic framework for deeper economic ties.

Impact on Government Policy and Market Trends

KICC UAE’s establishment marks a pivotal development in the tech landscape of the Middle East. It aligns with Dubai’s broader goal of becoming a global leader in technology-driven innovation, as outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

By fostering cross-border partnerships, the center is expected to disrupt regional market dynamics, offering new opportunities for growth in the UAE’s technology sector. Furthermore, it solidifies the UAE’s ambition to diversify its economy beyond oil, aligning with government policies to nurture sustainable, tech-centric development​.

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