Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong (이재용) visited the construction site of the Al Dhafra gas-fired power plant in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, and encouraged local employees. Samsung Electronics said on Oct. 22 that Lee visited the site on Oct. 21 local time. The company said he discussed strategies to secure future growth engines and ways to enter new businesses with management of Samsung C&T and Samsung E&A, and exchanged views on changes in the Middle East market and the future business direction.

The Al Dhafra gas-fired power plant is a large power infrastructure facility being built by Samsung C&T in a consortium with local builder Trojan General Contracting. Lee toured key facilities with on-site staff and checked the construction schedule and the status of safety management.

Samsung Electronics said electricity demand in the UAE is steadily rising as industrial development continues. The company said it expects the plant, a project to prepare for growing power demand, to also contribute to supplying electricity needed for advanced industries such as AI data centres. Samsung C&T has carried out the UAE Barakah nuclear power plant construction project, and Samsung E&A is handling plant projects such as refining, gas and petrochemicals with the UAE as a key hub for its Middle East and Africa business.

The UAE is a key Middle East partner country that has formed a special strategic partnership with South Korea, and the two countries have maintained close cooperation in nuclear power and energy and infrastructure. On that basis, Samsung is seeking opportunities to expand cooperation in existing nuclear and gas-combined projects and to participate in new businesses such as AI data centres and energy infrastructure.

After touring the construction site, Lee had lunch with employees at an on-site cafeteria they usually use and talked about local life and working conditions. He encouraged staff for their efforts to remain on site despite the heat and listened to difficulties they face and suggestions.

He later held a meeting with employees of Samsung C&T and Samsung E&A to hear about difficulties in carrying out overseas projects and to discuss local business issues. The company said the Middle East remains unstable due to wars and geopolitical conflicts, and Lee is taking special care of local employees.

Ahead of his UAE visit, Lee on Oct. 16 delivered encouragement gifts and thank-you letters to 730 employees dispatched to 9 Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran, as well as their families. Dispatched employees were given gift certificates worth 3 million to 5 million won that can be used locally. Families living locally and in South Korea were all included, and families in South Korea received Onnuri gift certificates worth 2 million to 3 million won that can be used at traditional markets and local small merchants' shops. In March, he also sent encouragement gifts and letters to about 500 employees staying in three Middle East countries including the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, as well as their families.

In a thank-you letter, Lee expressed gratitude for employees' passion and dedication, saying, "I deeply appreciate the sense of responsibility and efforts you show in your respective roles." He said, "The company always considers your safety and health as the top priority."