TRENDS Research and Advisory, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan in the United Arab Emirates, is hosting a high-level joint seminar titled “Plans for Achievements: Enhancing Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and Space between Japan and the United Arab Emirates” on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with the participation of prominent governmental, industrial, and academic bodies from both countries. The seminar aims to explore avenues for innovation, enhance strategic partnerships, and outline the future of bilateral cooperation in advanced technology sectors.

The event will be held at the TRENDS headquarters in Abu Dhabi. It will begin with welcome remarks by Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, and His Excellency Ken Okaniwa, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE. Their remarks will be followed by keynote addresses delivered by His Excellency Omran Sharaf, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology; Mr. Hirofumi MIYAKE, Deputy Assistant Minister for Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, MOFA in Japan at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Kenji Otsuka, Chairman of the Japan Business Council (JBC).

The seminar, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., includes four sessions that will address the UAE’s perspectives on artificial intelligence and space—its policies, vision, and strategic priorities—as well as Japan–UAE cooperation in the space sector, with the participation of Dr. Masami ONODA from Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The third session will discuss “Harnessing Japan’s Innovation Advantage: Cross-Sector Applications,” while the fourth session will explore “Building Bridges Between Japan and the UAE in Artificial Intelligence.”

The seminar concludes with final recommendations delivered by Professor Satoshi Ikeuchi, a professor at RCAST at the University of Tokyo and head of the TRENDS Tokyo office.

During the seminar, a strategic memorandum of understanding will be signed between TRENDS Research & Advisory and the Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI), aiming to solidify joint research in artificial intelligence and space. This step represents a significant move toward fostering innovation and knowledge exchange between the two parties, laying the foundation for joint projects that will push the boundaries of scientific and technological knowledge and open new horizons for economic and technological growth at both the regional and international levels.

In a statement on this occasion, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, affirmed that this high-level gathering constitutes a vital platform for deepening the strategic partnership between the UAE and Japan in the artificial intelligence and space sectors, noting that these fields are key drivers of future economies. He explained that TRENDS, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in Abu Dhabi, seeks to exchange visions and develop concrete plans to achieve tangible results that foster joint innovation and open new horizons for growth and scientific cooperation, serving the shared development interests of both countries.

For his part, Mr. Hirofumi Miyake, MOFA in Japan, emphasized the importance of the event, stating: “This high-level symposium underscores the shared commitment of Japan and the UAE to strengthening cooperation in advanced technology fields.” He noted that combining Japan’s distinguished expertise in technological innovation with the UAE’s ambitious vision in space and artificial intelligence presents an unparalleled opportunity to establish joint projects and achieve progress that benefits all of humanity. He expressed his anticipation of productive discussions that will shape future cooperation.