Abu Dhabi and Japan Boost Economic Ties with Strategic Agreements for Investment Growth

Strengthening Economic Ties between Abu Dhabi and Japan

Abu Dhabi is making significant strides in enhancing its economic relationships globally, and a recent initiative has seen the emirate reinforcing its partnership with Japan. On May 12, 2025, an economic delegation from Abu Dhabi, led by the Department of Economic Development (ADDED), concluded a highly productive visit to Japan that was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors. This visit reflects Abu Dhabi’s aggressive push to bolster its standing as a robust economic hub in the region and beyond.

The delegation, comprising representatives from over 80 public sector entities, private companies, and startups, engaged in high-level discussions with key government officials and industry leaders in Japan. They explored potential collaborative opportunities in vital sectors such as life sciences, carbon-neutral technologies, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and financial services. This proactive approach is part of Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to diversify its economy and leverage innovative technologies.

During the visit, the delegation participated in the Osaka Expo 2025 and the SusHi Tech in Tokyo, showcasing Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering technological innovation. Moreover, they conducted the 11th meeting of the Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council (ADJEC), alongside the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) and the Abu Dhabi-Japan Business Forum. These gatherings emphasized the collaborative efforts and highlighted how the "Falcon Economy" initiatives can accelerate the transition towards a smart, diversified, and sustainable economy in Abu Dhabi.

Twelve local startups, supported by Hub71 and the Khalifa Fund, showcased their innovative solutions at the SusHi Tech event. This leading Asian conference highlights emerging technologies and investment opportunities in innovation-driven sectors. The delegation's itinerary also included multiple meetings with prominent figures, including the Governor of Osaka, Hirofumi Yoshimura, and the Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, among others.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, emphasized the significance of the visit, stating, "Our efforts are driven by the ambitious vision of our leadership to future-proof our economy and solidify Abu Dhabi's reputation as an emerging economic powerhouse, a hub for talent, businesses, investments, and trade."

The agreements signed during this visit underscore Abu Dhabi's commitment to deepening partnerships in priority sectors. For instance, a strategic partnership focused on intelligent mobility solutions was established between the Emirates Driving Company and Zenmov, a prominent smart mobility solutions provider. In addition, a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Chamber and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) was initiated to enhance business relationships and create new opportunities.

The delegation also saw the signing of an agreement between the Emirates Foundation's Nema initiative and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE). This collaboration aims to enhance efforts towards reducing food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, aligning with the UAE’s national food security strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The UAE's Ambassador to Japan, Shihab Ahmed Alfaheem, remarked, "The visit of the Abu Dhabi economic delegation to Japan reinforces the strength of our bilateral relationships, rooted in decades of trust and cooperation. Japan’s leadership in digital innovation and sustainable development aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s goals of building a resilient, knowledge-based economy."

The economic landscape is further enhanced by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), set to provide unprecedented access to markets and foster cross-border investments, facilitating increased technological exchange. This partnership aims to unlock the full potential of collaboration between the UAE and Japan across various domains, from clean energy and AI to industrial R&D.

As bilateral trade between the UAE and Japan rose by 4.8% in 2024, amounting to AED 182.4 billion (USD 49.7 billion), this visit marks a critical milestone in the ever-growing economy between the two nations, highlighting the importance of continued strategic investments going forward. The increasing investment from the UAE in Japan has seen a staggering 100% growth over the past five years, emphasizing the optimism surrounding the future of this partnership. With such initiatives and agreements in place, both nations are setting the stage for a prosperous and sustainable future.