Japan-UAE Strategic Partnership: Boosting Ties In Healthcare, AI, Education And Space

Japan and the UAE are negotiating Japan- UAE Economic Partnership Agreement that will further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the key areas such as healthcare, AI, education and space.

“We aim to support UAE investors interested in Japan. By participating in financial seminars, I will actively promote the appeal of the attractiveness of the Japanese market to UAE investors,” Jun Imanishi, Consul-General of Japan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said during an interview.

He said Japan is a global hub for cutting-edge technological development and presents attractive investment opportunities in safe and secure environment. Japan's workforce is skilled, process-driven, and quality-oriented.

Excerpts from the interview:

What are the strategies to promote and strengthen economic relations between Japanese companies and local UAE companies? How does the Consulate support the building of business networks between Japanese and UAE companies, and what upcoming events are there to promote this?

The Japanese and UAE governments are currently negotiating the Japan-UAE Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which is key to enhancing our economic ties.

Dubai has used its geopolitical advantages to develop into a hub for people, goods and capital, achieving economic growth of approximately four per cent in 2024. Succeeding in business within Dubai - where 200 nationalities and regions live and gather - also serves as a touchstone for expanding globally.

Over 300 Japanese companies are based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, many serving as their regional headquarters for the Middle East and Africa. For Japanese companies newly entering Dubai, it is important to understand the advantages Dubai offers as a business environment, and how companies from around the world have successfully established themselves there.

The UAE has set up free zones offering favourable conditions for foreign investment and capital, including tax incentives or exemptions for income and corporations, simplified company formation procedures and easier visa acquisition.

There are over 40 free zones across the UAE, 30 of which are in Dubai. These cater to a variety of corporate needs, including logistics, finance, healthcare, IT, technology, fashion and design.

In August 2024, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries set up an export support platform in the UAE. We are currently strengthening our efforts to boost exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products to and via Dubai to the Middle East and Africa. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also provides effective support to Japanese companies engaging in cross-border activities, such as entering third-country markets.

In order to address the diverse needs of Japanese companies, we work alongside JETRO, JNTO and the Japan Chamber of Commerce in Dubai, providing business matching opportunities and conducting top-level sales initiatives to boost exports.

In order to further expand Japanese business in the Northern Emirates, I will visit the region with Japanese companies and explore potential mutual business opportunities through discussions

Are there any new initiatives aimed at encouraging UAE businessmen to invest in Japan or collaborate with Japanese companies?

Yes, the Japanese government is targeting an increase in direct investment to 120 trillion yen ($810 billion) by 2030, through Programme for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan 2025. By the end of 2024, direct investment reached 53.3 trillion yen, more than doubling since 2014.

Japan presents attractive investment opportunities. Japan offers a safe and secure environment in which to live and receive healthcare. Furthermore, its political and legal systems are stable, and the country is a global hub for cutting-edge technological development. Based on these favourable conditions, Japan offers investors fundamental value for such as the rule of law, reliable enforcement of contracts, strong intellectual property protection, and transparent, consultable regulation. Japan's workforce is skilled, process-driven, and quality-oriented.

Additionally, its well-established legal framework and high level of transparency foster an environment conducive to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG investing. We aim to support UAE investors interested in Japan. By participating in financial seminars, I will actively promote the appeal of the attractiveness of the Japanese market to UAE investors.

We also wish to participate in financial seminars and introduce the appeal of the Japanese market to UAE investors.

What new initiatives or programmes are planned to further strengthen bilateral relations in the diplomatic, economic, artistic, and cultural spheres in the coming years?

Under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI), Japan and the UAE are expanding cooperation in areas such as politics, economics, renewable energy, space exploration, and education.

The Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, which succeeded the Dubai Expo, concluded successfully. The Expo 2025 provided an excellent opportunity for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as well as the members of Dubai's Executive Council, to visit Japan and strengthen bilateral relations.

Japan's prefectures are also key to strengthening these relations. For example, in 2002, Osaka Prefecture and the Emirate of Dubai signed a Friendship and Exchange Agreement. Then, in October 2025, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on Exchange and Cooperation with Dubai. Also in October 2025, a promotional event for products from Kagoshima Prefecture was held at the Consulate-General's residence.

Going forward, we aim to increase visits by Japanese prefectural governments to Dubai and strengthen exchanges to share government expertise.

Youth exchanges also form the foundation for building the next generation of bilateral relations. Each year, high school students from Tokyo visit the UAE and interact with their counterparts. Furthermore, in 2025, students from GEMS Al Barsha visited Japan, and in December, students from Arida Junior High School will visit Dubai to continue these exchanges.

Progress in bilateral cooperation is strongly anticipated in the key areas such as healthcare, AI, education and space. In the medical field, cooperation between Dubai and Japan is essential for addressing shared health challenges. This involves utilising advanced medical technologies, equipment and medicine from Japanese companies, as well as sharing Japan's leading insights and initiatives in disease prevention.

Collaboration in AI is also vital for addressing common societal challenges such as declining birth rates, ageing populations and physical disabilities, as well as for realising a future society that captivates people. In this context, the cutting-edge joint research activities in the field of cybernetic avatars between the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and the Dubai Future Foundation are highly noteworthy.

The International Horticultural Exposition, also known as GREEN×EXPO 2027, will taking place in Yokohama, Japan. The expo aims to promote the creation of a sustainable society that coexists with nature.

Dubai is an undeniable leader in the MICE industry. How do you promote Japanese companies and investors to attend major exhibitions and conferences held in Dubai?

For Japanese companies considering expanding into Dubai, it is important to recognise the city as a business hub and a gateway to the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. Companies worldwide regard success in Dubai as an indicator of global business success. Throughout the year, Dubai hosts a wide range of MICE events spanning ICT, healthcare, finance and fintech, renewable energy and sustainability, tourism and hospitality, infrastructure, construction, architecture, fashion and design, and food. JETRO and JNTO provide support for participation and exhibiting. We strongly encourage Japanese companies to participate in MICE events at least once and use them as a springboard for overseas business expansion.

In 2025, 27 Japanese companies participated in the Japan Pavilion at Arab Health. At Gulfood, a promotional event for Japanese seafood products was conducted in collaboration with Dubai's top chefs.

Major international exhibitions in Dubai present an excellent opportunity to showcase high-quality Japanese products and services to a wider audience and generate business opportunities.

How is the Consulate involved in promoting Japanese arts and culture in the UAE, and what programs are currently being implemented to foster cultural exchange?

The continued promotion of arts and culture is essential for fostering mutual understanding between our two nations.

In Dubai, there are many non-Japanese individuals who have a deep understanding of Japanese culture and are committed to sharing it with others. The Consulate-General is highly encouraged by such cooperation.

In order to meet this demand, the Consulate-General collaborates with local partners to organise cultural events. For example, we co-hosted an ikebana exhibition at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library with the Dubai Chapter of Ikebana International. To give people of determination the opportunity to enjoy the arts, we held a VR and koto (traditional Japanese harp) concert at the Rashid Centre for People of Determination.

We are also undertaking innovative cultural projects, such as a collaborative calligraphy and shakuhachi event, in partnership with Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone.

We intend to continue supporting and collaborating with these cultural practitioners and look forward to strengthening Japan's presence in the Northern Emirates through continued collaboration.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration to strengthen Japan's presence in the Northern Emirates.

People-to-people exchanges are essential for strengthening bilateral relations. Visa regulations for UAE citizens have also been relaxed, extending permitted stays from 30 to 90 days. This will encourage cultural exchange between our two countries.

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