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The Emirates News Agency reported that Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, met with Japanese officials including Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa during a visit to Tokyo on October 8, 2026. The discussions centered on enhancing collaboration in energy, industry, advanced technology and investment. Both sides reviewed the status of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement designed to facilitate greater trade and private sector links.
WAM said the meetings also explored opportunities in conventional and renewable energy as well as scientific research initiatives. Al Jaber emphasised the strategic importance of the relationship under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2022. The envoy highlighted ways to expand cooperation beyond current levels.
UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade figures show non-oil trade between the UAE and Japan reached $20.3 billion in 2025, representing a 16.7 percent increase from 2024. The UAE accounts for 39 percent of Japan’s total trade with Arab and African countries according to the same data. This growth provides a solid foundation for expanded industrial and technological partnerships between the two countries.
Research collaborations between UAE and Japanese institutions have produced significant outputs over the years. UAE University has partnered with 140 Japanese universities and academic bodies, resulting in 284 joint research papers from 2017 to 2023, a UAE University assessment found. The joint work has focused primarily on engineering, technology and physical sciences.
The concluded CEPA is expected to open avenues for joint work in areas such as cybersecurity, healthcare, education, research and development, innovation and smart mobility. A statement from the ministry noted that the pact aligns with both nations’ goals for a knowledge-based economy. It will also address financial services and digital transformation.
Bilateral trade including petroleum products totaled approximately $49.6 billion in 2024, with the UAE serving as Japan’s leading partner in the Arab world, according to WAM data. In the first nine months of 2025, non-oil trade grew by 21.4 percent year on year. Japanese companies have shown interest in sectors ranging from hydrogen to artificial intelligence.
