Oh Se-hoon Achieves Consecutive Economic Cooperation MOUs in Dubai... Initiates Startup and Mobility Exchanges

Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Future Foundation and Roads and Transport Authority
"Preparing for the Future through Exchange of Technical Expertise and Talent"
Seoul Participates in Dubai Startup Incubation Program
Collaboration on Autonomous Driving and UAM Joint Projects... Technology and Workforce Exchange

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Dubai have decided to collaborate on mutual entry of startup companies and the exchange of future mobility technologies. Seoul has been securing highly effective economic cooperation by consecutively signing MOUs (Memorandums of Understanding) with the Dubai Future Foundation and the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed his hope that "the two cities can prepare for and develop their futures by exchanging expertise and talent in the field of innovative technologies."

Mayor Oh, who embarked on a 5-night, 7-day business trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) starting from the 5th, met with Abdulaziz Al Jaziri, Deputy CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), on the 7th (local time) and signed a business agreement to foster startups between the two cities.

On the 7th (local time), Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon listens to an introduction of the Dubai Future Museum from Abdulaziz Al Jaziri, Vice President of the Dubai Future Foundation.
[Photo by Seoul City]

Focused Cooperation on Mutual Startup Entry with Dubai Future Foundation

The Dubai Future Foundation was established by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai one of the world's leading future cities and oversees Dubai's core future projects.

Through this MOU, Seoul plans to discover exchange programs for mutual startup entry and actively participate in various programs conducted by the Dubai Future Foundation, such as the Dubai Assembly and Dubai Future Forum. The Dubai Future Foundation will support the participation of Seoul startups in its startup incubation programs. Additionally, it will provide facilities for Proof of Concept (PoC) to verify whether the innovative technologies and services possessed by Seoul startups have market potential.

Mayor Oh also announced exchanges between startups in the two cities. He said, "With this agreement, startups from Seoul and Dubai are expected to demonstrate their advanced technologies in both Seoul and Dubai, thereby expanding each other's markets," adding, "I hope the two cities can prepare for and develop their futures by exchanging expertise and talent in innovative technology fields."

Substantial exchanges are expected to proceed rapidly. First, Seoul startups in advanced industries such as AI (Artificial Intelligence), bio, and fintech are likely to receive support from the Dubai Future Foundation's investment and incubation programs researching future advanced technologies. Mayor Oh also added, "This agreement will also actively promote exchanges to revitalize international events between the two cities."

On the 7th (local time), Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon (left) and Matar Mohamed Al Tayer, Director General of Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, shake hands after signing a business agreement.
[Photo by Seoul City]

MOU with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority... Cooperation and Sharing of Autonomous Driving and UAM Achievements

During Mayor Oh's visit to Dubai, an MOU was also concluded with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, focusing on sharing achievements in autonomous driving and UAM (Urban Air Mobility) demonstration projects.

Currently, Dubai has been promoting the 'Dubai 2030 Autonomous Driving Vision' since 2016, aiming to make 25% of total traffic autonomous as part of its investment in future mobility. Additionally, Dubai plans to install four vertiports (UAM takeoff and landing sites) at Dubai International Airport and downtown by 2026, targeting the commercialization of UAM.

Accordingly, the two organizations agreed to ▲ share achievements and exchange technology and personnel in autonomous driving and UAM demonstration projects ▲ cooperate on joint research projects for autonomous driving and UAM ▲ and strive to participate in events to promote future mobility. In particular, they plan to cooperate to showcase Dubai's innovative future mobility technologies at the Seoul-style CES 'Smart Life Week (SLW)' scheduled for October this year. The 'Seoul Smart Life Week (SLW)' will be held at COEX in Seoul this October. It is an event that presents specialized thematic exhibitions tailored to the latest technologies and lifestyle trends to global city government officials and global companies, encompassing international forums and conferences such as the 'Seoul Smart City Awards.'

Mayor Oh expressed confidence, saying, "I expect that this MOU will activate technology exchanges and extensive knowledge sharing between the two cities," and added, "Through the event, we can develop exchanges in transportation policies and strategies and thereby strengthen cooperation."

Meanwhile, Mayor Oh also held a luncheon meeting with local UAE-based companies to listen to the current status and challenges of companies entering the Middle East market. About ten major companies and SMEs/startups representing various fields such as construction, hydrogen, and defense participated. Additionally, Mayor Oh visited the Dubai Future Museum, which showcases humanity's future lifestyle including virtual space travel in 2071, climate change, and ecosystems, as well as the Dubai Future Lab, a research and development facility for robotics and artificial intelligence operated by the Dubai Future Foundation, to gather insights for policy promotion such as fostering Seoul's advanced industries and supporting the growth of its innovation ecosystem.

On the 7th (local time), Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon meets with representatives of companies operating in the UAE to listen to their difficulties and engage in discussions.
[Photo by Seoul City]