Under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Park Jongkyoung, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the UAE, in partnership with the aT Center Dubai, organized an exclusive Korean Agri-Food Tasting Programme during the UAE National Day reception at the St. Regis Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The event hosted nearly 500 distinguished guests, including ambassadors, senior UAE government officials, and business leaders.
The reception was graced by Saeed Mubarak Rashid Al Hajeri, Minister of State, as the guest of honour, highlighting the growing ties and friendship between the UAE and Korea.
In his opening remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Park Jongkyoung expressed gratitude for the enduring partnership and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration in culture, trade, and agriculture.
The event featured a K-Food Promotion Zone managed by the aT Center Dubai, showcasing a curated assortment of premium Korean agricultural products, such as Halal-certified Korean beef, Shine Muscat grapes, Korean pears, sweet potatoes, persimmons, and various red ginseng and wellness items.
A special section focused on Halal Korean beef displayed Korea’s Halal slaughter and certification process, highlighting Hanwoo beef’s unique qualities like exquisite marbling, tenderness, and refined taste. Chefs and F&B professionals recognized its strong potential in the UAE’s premium dining and hospitality sectors.
The fresh produce tasting area also drew much attention. Guests praised the natural sweetness, freshness, and high quality of Korean fruits. Many noted that Korean pears and Shine Muscat grapes are well-suited to UAE consumer tastes and make ideal gifts for occasions like Ramadan and Eid. Red ginseng and wellness products were also well-received by those interested in health and immunity benefits.
Several VIP guests called the reception “a remarkable opportunity to experience the excellence of Korean food and culture,” citing the safety, packaging, consistent quality, and refined taste of Korean products as significant strengths.
The embassy reaffirmed its dedication to further enhancing cultural and trade relationships between Korea and the UAE, planning to expand future collaboration in agriculture, food export, and cultural exchange.
