UAE and Japan strengthen cooperation in AI, industry and research

The UAE is seeking to expand its strategic partnership with Japan in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and scientific research, following a working visit by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) to Tokyo and Kyoto.

The visit focused on strengthening industrial and technological cooperation, accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and identifying opportunities to translate scientific research into practical applications that improve industrial competitiveness.

Led by MoIAT Undersecretary Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, the delegation participated in the UAE–Japan Technology and Artificial Intelligence Roundtable in Tokyo and the 23rd Science and Technology in Society Forum Ministerial Roundtable in Kyoto, alongside government officials and public- and private-sector representatives from both countries.

In Tokyo, discussions centered on expanding industrial partnerships and advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, digital manufacturing and precision manufacturing. The initiatives are intended to improve productivity, product quality and sustainability across industrial operations.

In Kyoto, the focus shifted to strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and industry, with an emphasis on applying scientific research in manufacturing environments. The discussions explored ways to translate research and innovation into practical solutions that address production requirements and factory-level challenges.

“This partnership offers significant opportunities to deepen industrial and technological collaboration, exchange expertise, foster innovation and enhance industrial competitiveness,” Al Nowais said.

He also highlighted the importance of establishing direct partnerships between technology providers and UAE manufacturers to accelerate the deployment of advanced industrial solutions.

“We want to develop pilot projects that deploy advanced industrial solutions. This includes the use of artificial intelligence in quality inspection and predictive maintenance, alongside skill development and efforts to accelerate advanced technology adoption across industry,” Al Nowais stated.

He added that the Factory Forward UAE initiative provides a platform for translating these partnerships into practical outcomes.

The visit concluded with an invitation to Japanese companies, investors and industrial leaders to participate in Make it in the Emirates, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from May 3 to 6, 2027.