UAE and Japan officials urge creation of a permanent platform for cooperation in AI and space technology, driving innovation and sustainable economic growth.
ABU DHABI: A high-level UAE–Japan symposium has concluded with a recommendation to establish a permanent bilateral cooperation platform in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and space sciences, signalling a new phase in the strategic technology partnership between the two nations.
Held under the theme Blueprints to Breakthroughs: Advancing AI & Space Collaboration Between Japan and the UAE, the symposium was organised by TRENDS Research & Advisory in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in the UAE. It brought together officials, academics and industry leaders to explore joint opportunities in innovation, investment, and knowledge exchange.
Speakers at the event called for a shared roadmap to turn scientific research into market-ready applications, while aligning policies and fostering deeper expertise sharing between the UAE and Japan.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, said the forum reflects TRENDS’ efforts to connect global research communities with policymakers. He also announced a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Research Institute, paving the way for long-term academic partnerships.
Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, stated that the UAE–Japan relationship is a model of international cooperation and urged continued coordination as global competition in AI and space intensifies.
Ken Okaniwa, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE, affirmed that AI and space are central to future UAE–Japan ties, as both nations seek responsible and effective technology solutions for complex global challenges.
Hirofumi Miyake, Deputy Assistant Minister from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the symposium coincides with broader high-level bilateral engagements. He praised the UAE’s progress in space exploration and Japan’s leadership in AI, citing institutions such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) as key bridges for collaboration.
Industry voices also highlighted innovation and investment potential. Ren Ito, Co-Founder of Sakana AI, stressed the need for efficient and transparent innovation ecosystems, while Prof. Hiroshi Yamakawa, President of JAXA, emphasised existing space collaboration, including the Hope Probe mission.
Business leaders praised the UAE’s investment climate, noting its supportive infrastructure and policies for emerging technologies. The symposium featured four sessions covering AI governance, research, policy, and private-sector engagement.
Participants agreed that the proposed UAE–Japan platform would go beyond technology transfer, enabling both countries to co-develop solutions that combine rapid innovation with responsible governance, contributing to global knowledge and sustainable growth.
