Abu Dhabi to forge stronger investment ties with Japan as free trade deal talks progress

Japan has been a key partner of Abu Dhabi and the UAE for more than six decades, as evidenced by the steady growth of bilateral trade and mutual investments

In a bid to further enhance ties with leading global economies, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) will lead an economic delegation to Japan from May 6-9, 2025. The delegation will explore new avenues to enhance cooperation with Japan in various industries and high-growth clusters.

Organized in partnership with the UAE Embassy in Tokyo, the high-level delegation includes senior officials and executives from over 80 government entities, private sector's companies and startups, including the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), ADGM, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), ADNOC, KEZAD, Hub71, and major companies from different sectors.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, said: "Abu Dhabi's soaring Falcon Economy is solidifying the emirate's status as a rising economic powerhouse and a premier destination for global talent, high-value investments, and world-class enterprises. As part of initiatives to future-proof the economy, we are strengthening partnerships with leading economies and top trading partners around the globe, as well as investing in advanced industries, R&D, and entrepreneurship."

Al Zaabi explained that Japan has been a key partner of Abu Dhabi and the UAE for more than six decades, as evidenced by the steady growth of bilateral trade and mutual investments. Abu Dhabi's trade with Japan grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9 percent in the last five years. Over the same period, the UAE's non-oil exports to Japan increased at a CAGR of 8.8 percent, and imports rose at a CAGR of 12.2 percent.

"Additionally, our investments in Japan have more than doubled over the past five years, and our country attracted over 80 percent of Japanese investments in the Middle East," added Al Zaabi.

During the visit, Abu Dhabi plans to deepen cooperation in clean energy, hydrogen, AI, life sciences and next-generation technologies to shape a sustainable future.

Bilateral trade and mutual investments are set to further expand with the signing of the UAE-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expected to be finalized later this year. The agreement will unlock opportunities in various sectors, fostering the exchange of expertise and technology and opening new markets for both Japanese and UAE businesses.

"We are on the cusp of a new era of bilateral cooperation, enabled by frameworks such as the forthcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will unlock greater market access and enhance investment flows between the two countries," stated His Excellency Shihab Ahmed Alfaheem, Ambassador of the UAE to Japan.

During the visit, the delegation will visit and participate in key events in Japan, including Expo 2025 Osaka and SusHi Tech - Tokyo, and the 11th Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council (ADJEC) meeting.

Since its establishment in 2011, ADJEC, co-chaired by ADDED and the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME), has been driving bilateral cooperation across various industries. JCCME member companies operating in Abu Dhabi have a total capital value of AED106 billion, and are active in a range of sectors, including oil and gas, contracting, retail, consulting, education and heavy machinery manufacturing.

The delegation will also organize the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) and Abu Dhabi-Tokyo Business Forum, which aim to enhance cooperation and attract talent, business and investment to Abu Dhabi.

"This visit reflects the deep-rooted and forward-looking partnership between Abu Dhabi and Japan. Japan's expertise in digital transformation, technology, sustainable mobility and industrial automation complements Abu Dhabi's strategic sectors and our shared vision for a knowledge-based, net-zero future," added Alfaheem.

Following its success in London, Beijing and Shanghai, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) will make its Japan debut in Tokyo on May 9, 2025. Organized by ADIO and ADGM, the forum provides a platform for top CEOs, business leaders and investors to explore strategic partnerships and investment opportunities with one of MENA's fastest-growing economies.

The event will include keynote speeches, panel discussions and high-level engagements with Japanese government officials and corporate leaders, with a focus on Abu Dhabi's economic clusters, including the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI) cluster, AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster, and recently launched Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) cluster.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry ADCCI, in cooperation with ADGM and ADIO, will also organize the Abu Dhabi-Japan Business Connect forum on May 8, 2025. The forum is a high-level gathering of business leaders and officials, designed to bring together representatives from both Abu Dhabi and Tokyo, to enhance international partnerships and explore global investment opportunities.

The high-profile forum aims to strengthen economic relations and international partnerships between Abu Dhabi and Japan.