The United Arab Emirates is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. The UAE is committed to preserving and documenting this heritage for future generations while maintaining a balance between tradition and modernity. In this spirit, the UAE has sought to strengthen cultural ties with the Republic of Korea. The two countries signed a Cultural Cooperation Agreement in 2007, laying the foundation for numerous cultural initiatives and exchange programs in both countries.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the UAE and the Republic of Korea designated 2020 as the "Year of Cultural Dialogue." The initiative was subsequently extended through 2021 to sustain cultural exchange despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the Emirate of Sharjah participated as the Guest of Honor at the Seoul International Book Fair, where the UAE delegation showcased Arabic literature, translation, and intercultural dialogue through exhibitions, seminars, and cultural events. In the same year, the Republic of Korea was the Guest of Honor at the Sharjah International Book Fair, presenting a rich program of Korean cultural and literary activities to audiences in the UAE.
In 2024, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage inaugurated a cultural monument on Nami Island in the Republic of Korea, inspired by the traditional Emirati Al Ayala performance. The monument symbolizes the friendship between the two countries, promotes cultural dialogue, and reflects the UAE's commitment to preserving and showcasing its cultural heritage abroad.
In December 2025, the Seoul Museum of Art hosted Approaches, the first major exhibition of contemporary Emirati art in the Republic of Korea. Organized in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, the exhibition featured more than 110 works of art aimed at deepening cultural understanding between the two countries.
During President Lee Jae-myung's official visit to the United Arab Emirates in 2025, the two countries also announced the development of the Korean City in the UAE project, a future-focused hub designed to bring together Korean culture, advanced industries, and innovation.
