The UAE at 50: LG’s Role in Accelerating the Pace and Scale of Innovation

As the UAE celebrates its Golden Jubilee, LG Electronics (LG) reflects on the nation’s progress over the past 50 years and the Korean company’s contribution towards building local partnerships and bringing meaningful innovation into people’s lives.

In 2020, the UAE and South Korea celebrated 40 years of diplomatic ties – a partnership which has been reinforced by the launch of projects in energy, healthcare, culture, technology and space exploration over the years. In 2019 alone, the UAE’s official visit to South Korea marked a pivotal milestone, with the signing of 12 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).[1] The following year, the UAE-Korea Cultural Dialogue Initiative 2020 was also launched, highlighting a model of international relations based on respect and tolerance.

The UAE continues to be the Middle East’s largest importer of South Korean goods and technology providers such as LG are among the top companies accelerating business growth between the two nations. First establishing its presence in the UAE in 1988, LG has since gone on to become synonymous with smart, intuitive technology among both businesses and consumers alike.

Within the country, LG has worked on a number of landmark projects. In 2017, Guinness World Records named LG’s OLED technology at The Dubai Mall as the world’s Largest OLED screen.[2] It was also recognized as the highest resolution and largest high-definition video wall.

Owing to its scale, LG now employs a workforce of over 200 in the UAE. The Emirate of Dubai also acts as a base for the company’s regional headquarters, from which the team coordinates with its employees across the Middle East and Africa.

With a vision to define itself as a lifestyle innovator that serves a truly intelligent way of living, LG has amplified its presence in the UAE to provide solutions across its diverse portfolio of solutions, a few of which include:

Home Appliances

In 2016 LG unveiled its TWINWash washing machines to tackle two loads of laundry simultaneously, proving popular among large families and people on the go across the Emirates. The company’s latest washing machines also integrate the use of AI to analyze clothing characteristics and provide more targeted care with every wash.

Other innovations include LG’s InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerators, designed to minimize cold air loss and keep food fresher for longer. Homeowners simply knock twice on a black glass panel, which then turns transparent and reveals the contents of the refrigerator – without the need for frequent opening and closing.

Home Entertainment

As part of its efforts to cater to the luxury home market, LG launched its premium LG SIGNATURE brand in the UAE in 2017. This year, the LG SIGNATURE OLED R was introduced to the local marketplace – the world’s first rollable OLED TV.

LG’s latest televisions now also feature voice activated Arabic AI technology – leveraging natural language processing to understand requests and context across evolving conversations. These televisions can interpret not only standard Arabic, but also Emirati, Saudi Arabian and Egyptian dialects.

Air Solutions

Empowering businesses and residents to manage air quality and comfort has been a longstanding focus for LG. The company’s ever-expanding line-up of PuriCare air purifiers available in the UAE now consists of commercial, residential, portable and wearable models. Starting from this month, UAE residents can purchase LG’s upgraded PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier. The new iteration of this technology now includes enhanced all-round performance alongside the convenience of voice amplification.

In the air conditioning domain, LG works closely with local partners to provide effective B2B and B2C air solutions. The company’s Multi V 5 VRF systems are currently installed across the Dubai Sustainable City site, offering fast and efficient cooling. Since 2010, LG has also been training technicians, dealers, and contractors in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) expertise at a state-of-the-art training facility in Jebel Ali, known as the LG Air Solutions Academy.

“The UAE and South Korea are closely aligned in their ambitions to accelerate the rate at which meaningful innovation occurs and is brought to market. At LG, we have long recognized the value that technology can bring to people’s lives, and we have made it our mission to offer our customers in the UAE the most advanced solutions commercially available. We will continue to work in close partnership with our local distributors and networks on ground to deliver on this promise,” said Mr. Hongju Jeon, President, LG Electronics Gulf.