The United Arab Emirates and Japan are strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing as both countries look to translate technological research into practical industrial applications. A delegation from the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology visited Japan for meetings in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, the ministry’s undersecretary, led the UAE delegation. Officials and representatives from the public and private sectors explored opportunities to expand technology partnerships, improve industrial productivity, and support sustainable manufacturing. The discussions reflect growing interest in combining Japan’s industrial expertise with the UAE’s ambitions to become a regional hub for advanced technology.
The UAE-Japan Technology and Artificial Intelligence Roundtable in Tokyo focused on expanding cooperation in AI, robotics, automation and digital manufacturing. Participants discussed how these technologies could improve industrial efficiency, product quality and operations.
Precision manufacturing was another priority, with both sides examining ways to apply technological advances to real-world industrial challenges. Rather than limiting cooperation to research, the discussions emphasized businesses' practical adoption of innovations.
The collaboration could create opportunities for companies and research institutions in both countries to exchange expertise, develop industrial solutions and explore new commercial partnerships.
The UAE has been investing in advanced technology as part of its broader economic diversification strategy. AI, automation and robotics are increasingly important to its plans to modernize manufacturing and reduce dependence on traditional sources of economic growth.
During the visit, the delegation also participated in the 23rd Science and Technology in Society Forum Ministerial Roundtable in Kyoto. The gathering provided another platform to discuss scientific research, technological development, and international cooperation.
For the UAE, deeper engagement with Japanese institutions and businesses could help accelerate technology adoption and strengthen industrial competitiveness.
Japan brings established strengths in robotics, precision engineering and industrial automation, while the UAE is expanding its investment in AI and advanced manufacturing. Closer cooperation could let both countries combine their capabilities in areas such as smart factories, automated production, and digital industrial systems.
The discussions also underline the role of governments, research organizations and private companies in moving innovations from development to commercial use.
Al Nowais also stated, “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.
“The Factory Forward UAE initiative provides a unified platform to turn these partnerships into tangible outcomes,” said Al Nowais.
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The latest engagement signals a push to make UAE-Japan technology cooperation more commercially focused. Potential benefits include improved manufacturing productivity, knowledge exchange and new opportunities for businesses operating in advanced technology sectors.