Samsung Chairman Lee Inspects UAE Power Plant as Group Eyes AI Infrastructure

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong visited a gas-fired power plant construction site in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday as the South Korean conglomerate explores opportunities in artificial intelligence data centers and energy infrastructure across the Middle East, Aju Press reported.

Lee inspected construction progress and safety measures at the Al Dhafra power plant site, according to an announcement by the company on Thursday. The facility is currently being built by Samsung C&T in a consortium with local UAE contractor Trojan General Contracting.

During the visit, Lee met with executives from Samsung C&T and Samsung E&A to discuss regional operating conditions and potential expansion into new projects. The group is seeking additional opportunities in power infrastructure as power demand rises alongside broader industrial development and AI-related investment in the region.

Samsung maintains an established operational footprint in the UAE through major projects including the Barakah nuclear power plant, as well as oil, gas, and petrochemical facilities.

Lee also met with employees stationed in the region. Earlier this month, he sent letters and gifts to 730 Samsung employees and their families stationed across nine Middle Eastern countries, citing safety concerns amid regional tensions.