Abu Dhabi and Japan Strengthen Economic Ties with New Agreements

Strengthening Economic Ties: Abu Dhabi's Successful Visit to Japan

In a significant move to bolster relations, an Abu Dhabi economic delegation led by the Department of Economic Development (ADDED) recently concluded a successful visit to Japan. This trip paved the way for various agreements designed to enhance partnerships in a multitude of industries and high-growth sectors.

Consisting of over 80 representatives from public and private sectors, including SMEs and startups, the delegation engaged in comprehensive discussions with key Japanese government officials and business leaders. Their agenda included exploring collaborative opportunities in critical areas such as life sciences, carbon-neutral technologies, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.

During their stay, the delegation attended Expo 2025 in Osaka and visited SusHi Tech in Tokyo, where they hosted the 11th Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council (ADJEC) meeting, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF), and the Abu Dhabi-Japan Business Forum. These events showcased the vast opportunities for cooperation and underscored the 'Falcon Economy' initiatives aimed at transitioning Abu Dhabi towards a smart, diversified, and sustainable future.

A highlight of the visit was the participation of 12 startups nurtured by Hub71 and the Khalifa Fund at SusHi Tech, which is recognized as Asia's premier startup conference. Their presence illustrated Abu Dhabi's growing technological prowess and the investment potential within innovation-driven sectors.

The delegation held fruitful discussions with several high-ranking officials, including H.E. Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka, and H.E. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, among others. Meetings were also held with influential business figures from organizations like the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), and major corporations including Sumitomo Corporation and Toshiba.

Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, expressed optimism regarding the agreements reached during the visit, emphasizing the concerted efforts to future-proof Abu Dhabi’s economy. "This trip has cemented our longstanding bond with Japan and provided a platform to explore new collaborative avenues in priority sectors," he stated.

Additionally, significant agreements were signed during the visit. One such partnership is a strategic initiative for smart mobility between Emirates Driving Company and Zenmov, a prominent player in mobility solutions. Furthermore, an accord was established between the Abu Dhabi Chamber and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to enhance business relations and identify new collaboration opportunities.

In a bid to tackle food challenges, the Emirates Foundation’s Nema initiative also partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) to meet aims set forth in the UAE's National Food Security Strategy. Their target is to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, aligning with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

The Ambassador of the UAE to Japan, H.E. Shihab Ahmed Alfaheem, spoke about the strategic importance of this visit, highlighting how it reinforces the UAE-Japan relationship based on longstanding trust and future aspirations. He noted Japan's leadership in several technological and sustainable sectors which resonates with Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.

As the economies of both nations continue to intertwine, bilateral trade has experienced significant growth. In 2024, trade between the UAE and Japan increased by 4.8%, reaching an impressive AED 182.4 billion (USD 49.7 billion), with notable growth in non-oil trade as well. Moreover, UAE investment in Japan has surged by 100% in the last five years, showcasing the deepening economic ties.

This high-level mission reflects a pivotal moment in UAE-Japan relations, particularly as both countries prepare to activate transformative frameworks like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This agreement is anticipated to facilitate unprecedented access to markets and streamline cross-border investments, fostering further technological exchanges between the two nations.

The delegation's endeavors, involving numerous governmental and private sector representatives, aim to underscore Abu Dhabi's commitment to spearheading a future-focused economy driven by sustainability and innovation. As both regions continue to strengthen their collaborative efforts, the outlook for trade and economic partnerships remains bright.