Abu Dhabi Delegation to Japan to Boost Economic Ties

Post by : Layla Badr

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi is sending a large team of business and government leaders to Japan from May 6 to May 9, 2025, as part of its ongoing work to build stronger connections with important countries around the world. This trip is led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), with support from the UAE Embassy in Tokyo. The goal is to find new ways for both countries to work together in key industries and growing business areas.

The delegation includes senior officials and leaders from over 80 organizations, such as government offices, private companies, and new startups. Some of the key groups joining are the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Khalifa Fund, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), ADNOC, KEZAD, Hub71, and many major companies from different industries.

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His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said that Abu Dhabi is growing fast and becoming a global business hub. He explained that the emirate is working hard to prepare for the future by forming strong partnerships with top countries and investing in new industries, research, and small businesses. He also said Japan has been a trusted friend and partner of the UAE for more than 60 years.

Trade between the UAE and Japan has been growing quickly:

• Overall trade has grown by 11.9% per year over the past five years.

• Non-oil exports from the UAE to Japan have grown 8.8% per year.

• Imports from Japan to the UAE have grown 12.2% per year.

• UAE investments in Japan have more than doubled in five years.

• The UAE receives over 80% of all Japanese investment in the Middle East.

This visit shows Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to growing this partnership. The two countries plan to work more closely in clean energy, hydrogen, artificial intelligence (AI), life sciences, and new advanced technologies.

Later this year, the UAE and Japan plan to sign a big trade agreement called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This will help both countries grow their businesses by opening new markets, sharing technology, and working together more closely in different fields.

During the visit, the delegation will take part in major events in Japan such as:

• Expo 2025 Osaka

• SusHi Tech – Tokyo

• 11th Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council (ADJEC) meeting

They will also host two big forums:

1. Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) – to promote investment and partnerships with Abu Dhabi.

2. Abu Dhabi-Tokyo Business Forum – to connect Japanese and Emirati businesses.

UAE Ambassador to Japan, His Excellency Shihab Ahmed Alfaheem, said this visit shows how strong and future-focused the UAE-Japan relationship is. He said Japan is very advanced in areas like digital technology, smart transport, and factory automation – which matches Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a smart, green, and knowledge-based economy. The UAE Embassy in Tokyo is proud to support this important trip.

Since it began in 2011, the Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council (ADJEC) has helped both countries work together in many industries. Japanese companies in Abu Dhabi, through JCCME (Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East), have invested a total of AED 106 billion in sectors like oil and gas, construction, retail, consulting, education, and machinery.

On May 9, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) will be held in Tokyo for the first time. This event is organized by ADIO and ADGM, and will welcome CEOs, investors, and top businesspeople to discuss partnerships and business opportunities with Abu Dhabi. The focus will be on Abu Dhabi’s most exciting industries, such as:

• Smart and self-driving vehicles (SAVI)

• Agriculture, food, and water security (AGWA)

• Health, endurance, longevity, and medicine (HELM)

On May 8, 2025, the Abu Dhabi-Japan Business Connect forum will take place. It is hosted by ADCCI, in partnership with ADIO and ADGM. This forum will bring together business and government leaders from both sides to explore new ways of working together and creating international partnerships.

In short, this trip is a major step forward in making the relationship between Abu Dhabi and Japan even stronger — by opening new trade, technology, and investment opportunities that will benefit both countries.