The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to foster cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), future mobility, and intelligent urban infrastructure. This agreement is poised to create opportunities for Korean companies to participate in smart infrastructure projects within the Middle East.
The signing ceremony took place on October 15, local time, during the 14th Dubai Award for Sustainable Transport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Kim Junkyu, head of KOTRA’s Middle East Regional Headquarters, and Muna Al Osaimi, a representative of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, were in attendance. The MOU signifies an acceleration of economic cooperation between South Korea and the UAE, establishing a direct collaboration channel with a significant infrastructure procurement authority following the entry into force of the Korea-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in May 2026.
Dubai’s RTA plays a crucial role in overseeing traditional public transportation networks, including roads and urban rail. The authority is also a leader in the local government’s “Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031,” focusing on areas such as autonomous driving, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and advanced air mobility (AAM). The RTA is actively embracing next-generation mobility technologies, with plans to introduce 100 commercial autonomous taxis by March 2026.
Expanding Market Access for Korean Firms
Under the terms of the MOU, KOTRA and Dubai’s RTA will collaborate to enhance opportunities for Korean companies to bid on and participate in smart infrastructure projects managed by the RTA. The agreement also includes provisions for providing comprehensive support for technology demonstrations and commercialization efforts within the local market, specifically in connection with ongoing public projects.
KOTRA intends to organize consultation sessions that align with public-sector procurement opportunities. These sessions will be coordinated with major local trade shows, including GITEX, and are designed to actively support the market entry of innovative Korean companies. This initiative aims to leverage the CEPA to translate existing cooperation frameworks into tangible projects.
Strategic Importance of the Partnership
“Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is a key institution leading the way in future transportation and smart infrastructure not only in the United Arab Emirates but across the Middle East,” stated Kim Junkyu, head of KOTRA’s Middle East regional headquarters. He further emphasized the significance of the agreement in light of the CEPA’s institutional foundation for bilateral cooperation.
“With the entry into force of the Korea-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement also establishing an institutional foundation for cooperation between the two countries,” Kim added, “this agreement will be a turning point in translating cooperation in AI and future mobility into actual projects.” The partnership is expected to facilitate Korean companies’ access to a burgeoning market for advanced transportation and smart city solutions.
The collaboration between KOTRA and Dubai’s RTA is a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for intelligent infrastructure and advanced mobility solutions in the Middle East. The RTA’s forward-thinking strategy and commitment to adopting new technologies, such as autonomous vehicles, present a fertile ground for Korean technological innovation. The MOU sets a clear pathway for Korean businesses to contribute to and benefit from the region’s smart infrastructure development.
