Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics, visited the Middle East region, where tensions have been escalating due to the expansion of the Iran war and other factors, to encourage employees. Lee (Chairman) reviewed the status of major local projects and discussed plans for entering new business areas.
Samsung announced on the 22nd that Lee (Chairman) visited Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the 21st (local time) to inspect the construction site of the Al Dhafra gas-fired power plant.
Lee (Chairman) toured key facilities with on-site staff, checking on the construction schedule and safety management status. He then exchanged views with executives from Samsung C&T and Samsung E&A regarding changes in the Middle East market and future business directions.
The Al Dhafra gas-fired power plant is a large-scale power infrastructure facility under construction by Samsung C&T in a consortium with local contractor Trojan General Contracting. The project aims to prepare for increased electricity demand driven by the UAE's sustained industrial development, and it is expected to contribute to supplying power needed for advanced industries such as AI data centers in the future.
In the Middle East, Samsung C&T has demonstrated world-class construction technology through the Barakah nuclear power plant project in the UAE, while Samsung E&A has positioned the UAE as a key hub for its Middle East and Africa operations, carrying out various plant projects in refining, gas, and petrochemicals.
The UAE is a core partner country in the Middle East with which South Korea maintains a special strategic partnership relationship, and the two countries have continued close ties in various fields such as nuclear power generation and energy infrastructure. Samsung is seeking opportunities to expand cooperation in existing nuclear and gas combined-cycle power sectors in line with the UAE's economic growth and industrial development, and to participate in future new businesses such as AI data centers and energy infrastructure.
After completing his visit to the Al Dhafra power plant construction site, Lee (Chairman) shared a lunch with employees at the on-site cafeteria they usually use, discussing local life and working conditions. According to Samsung, Lee (Chairman) encouraged employees for their efforts in maintaining the construction site despite the heat during meals and employee meetings, and listened attentively to difficulties and suggestions they face on site.
Lee (Chairman) has continuously looked after on-site employees in the Middle East region amid ongoing unstable conditions. Prior to his UAE visit, on the 16th, he delivered encouragement gifts and letters of gratitude to 730 affiliated company executives and their families dispatched to nine Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran.
Dispatched employees were given gift certificates worth 3 million to 5 million won usable locally, while family members residing in South Korea received Onnuri gift certificates worth 2 million to 3 million won, usable at traditional markets and local small business stores.
In his letter of gratitude, Lee (Chairman) stated, "I deeply appreciate the sense of responsibility and effort you show in your respective positions," adding, "The company always prioritizes your safety and health." Lee (Chairman) had also delivered encouragement gifts and letters to approximately 500 employees and their families staying in three Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, in March last year, immediately after the outbreak of the Iran war.
Meanwhile, Lee (Chairman) has maintained a special connection with the UAE. He has interacted with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current President of the UAE, since his days as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. They met in Abu Dhabi in February 2019 and December 2021, among other times, to discuss future businesses such as next-generation mobile communications and AI (artificial intelligence) at private forums.
In December 2022, Lee (Chairman) visited the Barakah nuclear power plant construction site as his first overseas schedule after taking office as chairman. In January 2023 and November last year, he accompanied the presidential economic delegation to strengthen networks with key figures in the UAE.
in INDUSTRY
