Onjo Simson

This week President Sheikh Mohamed embarks on state visits to South Korea and China where he will be focusing on trade deals, advanced technology and security. This visit signifies the UAE’s plans to promote economic relations, foster technological advancement and move away from oil dependence through diversifying its economy. Sheikh Mohamed is expected to travel to South Korea for a two-day visit that starts on Tuesday, followed by a visit to China on Thursday. The main aim is to acquire high-level technologies from these East Asian countries according to Shigeto Kondo, a senior researcher of Japan’s Institute of Energy Economics. Both nations are endowed with flourishing fields of specialization particularly in energy, where the UAE is keen on facilitating technology transfers, with the UAE being the biggest trade partner of China among Arabic countries due to its significant investments in various fields like petrochemicals, crude oil and artificial intelligence. Chinese investments...

  The United Arab Emirates Embassy in Seoul recently hosted a captivating event themed around unity and tolerance, resonating deeply with the nation's ethos of inclusivity and harmony. Held on March 31, the event was a vibrant celebration of diversity, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds to foster understanding and mutual respect. During the event, UAE Ambassador to Korea, Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, emphasized the UAE's commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting unity among people of different races, colors, and ethnicities. He highlighted the significance of Ramadan not only as a time for fasting but also as an opportunity to strengthen bonds and embrace the values of tolerance that define the nation's identity. The evening's program included a thought-provoking video showcasing tolerance as a fundamental value of the UAE. Attended by leaders from diverse religious groups, diplomatic representatives, NGOs, the Emirati community, and members of t...

  The successful connection of the fourth unit of the South Korea-built Barakah nuclear power plant to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) power transmission grid marks a significant milestone in the UAE's quest for sustainable energy. Operated by Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO), Unit 4 of the Barakah plant has commenced operations, delivering the first megawatts of carbon-free electricity. With further tests underway, commercial operation is slated to begin later this year, contributing an additional 1,400 megawatts of zero-carbon emission electricity to the UAE's grid. This achievement solidifies South Korea's position in the global nuclear energy landscape, marking its first export of a homegrown commercial atomic power plant. The Barakah plant, located 270 kilometers west of Abu Dhabi, is the result of a $20 billion contract won by a KEPCO-led consortium in 2009. Once all four units are operational, the plant is poised to meet up to 25% of the UAE's electricity needs,...