Abu Dhabi and Japan Enhance Economic Relations Through Strategic Partnerships and Agreements

Strengthening Ties: Abu Dhabi and Japan's Economic Cooperation

In an effort to bolster bilateral trade and deepen economic ties, an official delegation from Abu Dhabi, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), recently completed a successful visit to Japan. This visit culminated in the signing of several agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration in various sectors, including technology, sustainability, and finance.

The Abu Dhabi delegation, consisting of over 80 representatives from public entities, private businesses, startups, and SMEs, engaged in productive meetings with high-ranking officials and influential businesses across Japan. These discussions were primarily focused on exploring collaboration opportunities in key growth sectors, such as life sciences, carbon-neutral technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.

During their time in Japan, the delegation participated in significant events such as the Abu Dhabi-Japan Economic Council (ADJEC) meeting, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF), and the Abu Dhabi-Japan Business Forum. Moreover, they visited Expo 2025 Osaka and SusHi Tech in Tokyo, where they showcased Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem and highlighted the emirate's 'Falcon Economy' initiatives designed to promote smart, diverse, and sustainable growth.

Twelve homegrown startups from Abu Dhabi, supported by Hub71 and Khalifa Fund, made a notable appearance at SusHi Tech, underscoring the emirate's burgeoning tech talent and the promising investment opportunities that lie within the innovation-driven sectors.

The delegation also engaged with prominent government figures, including H.E. Hirofumi Yoshimura, Governor of Osaka, and H.E. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo. Notable meetings occurred with representatives from the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and major corporations like Sumitomo Corporation, Cosmo Energy, ITOCHU, and Toshiba. These dialogues were aimed at fostering stronger cross-border partnerships and facilitating knowledge exchange.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, expressed optimism regarding the agreements reached, stating, "Guided by our leadership's ambitious vision, we are doubling down on our efforts to future-proof the economy and cement Abu Dhabi's stature as a rising economic powerhouse. The agreements signed during this visit reinforce our commitment to deepening partnerships across priority industries to address global economic shifts."

The agreements included a strategic partnership between Emirates Driving Company and Zenmov, a leading smart mobility solutions provider, aimed at enhancing smart transportation solutions. Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce signed an accord with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to strengthen business relations and create new collaborative opportunities.

Also noteworthy is the cooperation pact between the Emirates Foundation's Nema initiative and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), focusing on reducing food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, in line with the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

The visit highlighted the depth of the UAE-Japan relationship, traditionally rooted in trust and collaboration. As noted by His Excellency Shihab Ahmed Alfaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan, "Japan's global leadership in digital innovation and sustainable practices aligns perfectly with Abu Dhabi's economic diversification goals."

Bilateral trade data indicates a growing economic relationship; trade volume between the UAE and Japan rose by 4.8% to AED 182.4 billion (around USD 49.7 billion) in 2024, with non-oil trade growing by 2.2%. Furthermore, UAE investments in Japan have doubled in the past five years, emphasizing the strengthening economic link between the two nations.

As the Abu Dhabi economic delegation returned home, the groundwork laid during this visit is set to pave the way for transformative partnerships that aim to shape a sustainable and innovative economic future for both regions. The commitment to ongoing collaboration signifies a promising future for UAE-Japan relations, as both parties seek to explore new opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.