In the presence of H.E Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, and His Excellency Mr. Yoo, Jeong-bok, Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City in Korea, in addition to high-level Emirati delegation and a large number of South Korean government officials, businessmen and investors from South Korea and Asia, Dubai Holding today launched SmartCity in South Korea.
SmartCity Korea combines UAE's experience in managing smart cities with South Korea's tremendous technological advancements. The project will cover an area of 51 million sq ft, and will be strategically located between the two metropolitan cities of Seoul and Incheon, close to two international airports.
His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and The Future, Chairman of Dubai Holding, said: "SmartCity Korea is the latest addition to Dubai Holding's SmartCity Network, based on His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision to build a better and sustainable economy for the people of the UAE and the world. Through smart cities, governments provide their citizens a balanced and comprehensive living environment across all areas of life that include social, professional, economic and environmental. The SmartCity project is set to benefit from Dubai's long-standing and unique expertise in developing smart communities and modern cities, equipped with the latest technological innovations to elevate people's quality of life and boost their productivity."
His Excellency added: "This international initiative between the UAE and South Korea will contribute positively to the economies of South Korea and the region, and will play a vital role in furthering friendly relations between the two countries. Transferring the SmartCity concept to South Korea is undoubtedly a significant step towards reinforcing the UAE's leadership in urban development innovation and its commitment to knowledge transfer and experience exchange.
"Dubai Holding's guiding philosophy is based on building a global network of sustainable smart cities interconnecting Capitals of economic opportunities, and as incubators for science, technology and knowledge-based economy in various parts of the world, providing opportunities for growth and prosperity for individuals, businesses and investors alike."
SmartCity Korea marks another milestone in Dubai Holding's efforts to build smart cities which began with the establishment of Dubai Internet City in 1999, to create a holistic environment that provides a comprehensive living, working and leisure experience supported by the latest urban technologies, making it one of the most attractive destinations for modern living.
Mr. Yoo, Jeong-bok, Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City, reiterated the strength of the UAE's and South Korea's trade relations, confirming the importance of knowledge exchange in different economic fields for the good of both nations. He stated: "Our historical ties with the UAE date back to 1975 which has since seen the bilateral friendship between the two countries grow to include a wide range of economic, trade and investment fields. We stand in complete admiration of the UAE's track record of achievements over the last decades, thanks to the visionary guidance of its wise leadership and open economic model supported by fruitful and productive partnerships."
Mr. Yoo added: "An inspiring role model for cities of the world, Dubai continues to leverage its knowledge and technological infrastructure to build a knowledge- based economy, and to pioneer on the Land of South Korea the First Dedicated future city for hosting the advent of the 4th Industerial Revolution We are delighted to be joining hands with Dubai Holding to develop SmartCity Korea which, once completed, will become a comprehensive city of Smartnesses and Intelligences, that addresses this century's requirements and supports knowledge and advance information technology industries, which will reflect positively on other economic sectors in our country and the entire region."
The project is the culmination of the collaborative work between Dubai, the South Korean government and regional investors. SmartCity Dubai will provide guidance and consulting on how to launch and start comprehensive development work for the new SmartCity.
The UAE and South Korea enjoy strong economic and trade ties that date back to 1975. The total value of trade between the UAE and South Korea reached AED122.7 billion from 2010 to 2015. The two nations demonstrate a unique model in sustainable growth and coniuous economic development based on modern technological capabilities, advanced knowledge and progressive infrastructure.
Last February, Dubai Holding inaugurated Phase 1 of SmartCity Kochi's operation in Kerala, India; a city that is designed to cater to knowledge services and information technology. Dubai Holding have also inaugurated SmartCity Malta in collaboration with the Maltese government, back in 2014
Dubai Holding continues to implement its sustainable economic growth strategy, to diversify its investments into new innovation-led sectors that include knowledge, economic and technological zones, forming the foundation of a unique investment culture that adds value and supports national economy.
The Group plays an integral role in developing Dubai's non-oil economy and supports the Emirate's efforts to become the smartest city worldwide. It also supports the National Innovation Strategy that aims to position the UAE amongst the most innovative cities in the world.