ABU DHABI: The UAE and Japan are joining forces to enhance their space industry collaboration under a new UAE Japan space initiative. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Muto Yoji, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, have outlined plans to develop this vital sector through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC).

This agreement, coordinated by the UAE Space Agency and other entities, aims to be finalised within a year. The partnership stems from the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative established in September 2022, building on the outcomes of the UAE-Japan Space Public-Private Workshop held during the Abu Dhabi Space Debate in December 2024.

The UAE Japan space initiative is expected to significantly boost collaboration between the two nations, aligning with the UAE Space Agency’s Space Economic Zones programme. This programme is designed to support the establishment and sustainability of local companies while fostering international cooperation and innovation. By creating an integrated business ecosystem, it aims to advance the commercialisation of space technologies, driving the development of a diverse, sustainable knowledge economy.

Both nations are also committed to developing a shared roadmap for their space industries. This roadmap will guide future cooperation, supported by seminars to implement these plans effectively.

This collaboration underscores the growing importance of space as a domain for innovation and economic growth. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, the UAE and Japan aim to push boundaries in space exploration and technology.