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Blueprints to Breakthroughs: Advancing AI & Space Collaboration Between Japan and the UAE

December 16, 2025
09:30 AM - 04:30 PM
TRENDS Headquarters
Abu Dhabi
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Agenda

  • 9:30 - 10:00

    Registration and Welcoming Reception

  • 10:00 - 11:00

    Master of Ceremonies

    • Ms. Shaikha AlNuaimi, Researcher, TRENDS Research and Advisory

    Welcoming remarks

    • Dr. Mohammed Al Ali, CEO of Trends Research & Advisory
    • H.E. Ken Okaniwa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in UAE

    Keynote Address:

    • H.E. Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, MOFA, UAE
    • Mr. Hirofumi Miyake, Deputy Assistant Minister for Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, MOFA, Japan
    • Mr. Ren Ito, Co-Founder and COO, Sakana AI
    • Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, President, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) (Video Recording)
    • Mr. Kenji Otsuka, Chairman of the Japanese Business Council (JBC)
  • 11:00 - 11:15

    MOU Signing Ceremony – TRENDS x MRI

  • 11:15 - 11:30

    Break

  • 11:30 - 12:30

    Session 1: UAE Perspectives on AI and Space: Policy, Vision, and Strategic Priorities

    This session will provide an in-depth look at the UAE’s national strategies and policy frameworks shaping its approach to artificial intelligence and space exploration. Speakers will share insights on how these priorities align with the country’s broader innovation agenda, recent milestones, and opportunities for international partnerships with global leaders such as Japan.

    Speakers:

    • Dr. Ebtesam Almazrouei, Executive Director, Office of AI and Advanced Technology, Department of Finance – Abu Dhabi and Chairperson of the United Nations AI for Good Impact Initiative
    • Ms. Sumaya Al Hajery, Technology Policy and Regulation Expert, UAE
    • Mr. Amer AlSayegh, Assistant Director General – Aerospace Engineering Sector, MBRSC
    • Mr. Santosh Karuru, Senior Investment Leader and Head of Financial Incentives, ADIO

    Moderator:

    • Abdulaziz Al Shehhi, Researcher, Deputy Head of Research Sector, TRENDS Research & Advisory

    Discussion (45 minutes) Q&A Session: (15 minutes)

  • 12:30 - 13:30

    Session 2: Bridging Horizons: Japan–UAE Policy Collaboration in Space

    This panel will focus on opportunities for aligning strategies, regulatory frameworks, and collaborative initiatives between Japan and the UAE. Experts will discuss mechanisms for joint projects, knowledge exchange, and policy coordination to accelerate innovation and ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.

    Speakers:

    • H.E. Eng. Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director General, UAE Space Agency
    • Prof. Sean Swei, Professor of Practice, Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University
    • Dr. Masami Onada, Director, International Relations and Research Department of JAXA (Online Zoom)
    • Mr. Masanori Muto, Chief Research Manager & Frontier Strategy Group Leader, Mitsubishi Research Institute
    • Mr. Jumpei Nozaki, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Business Director, ispace

    Moderator:

    • Shamma Al Qutbah, Researcher, TRENDS Research and Advisory

    Discussion: (45 minutes) Q&A Session: (15 minutes)

  • 13:30 - 14:30

    Lunch break

  • 14:30 - 15:15

    Session 3: Harnessing Japan’s Innovation Edge: Applications Across Sectors

    This session will present Japan’s leading-edge technologies in robotics, metaverse and human-computer relations and their transformative applications across industries, accelerated by the AI advancement. Speakers will highlight innovative solutions, demonstrate practical use cases, and discuss lessons learned from implementing advanced technologies in diverse fields.

    Speakers:

    • Prof. Masahiko Inami, Professor, RCAST of the University of Tokyo
    • Dr. Yasuaki Monnai, Associate Professor, RCAST of the University of Tokyo
    • Prof. Hao Li, Dean of Undergraduate Division, Director of the Metaverse Center and Professor of Computer Vision, MBZUAI (Online Zoom)
    • Mr. Koki Shigenoi, Associated Researcher at RCAST, The University of Tokyo

    Moderator:

    • Mr. Rashid Al Zaabi, Researcher, TRENDS Research & Advisory

    Panel Discussion: (45 minutes)

  • 15:15 - 16:00

    Session 4: Bridging Horizons: Japan–UAE Policy Collaboration in AI

    This panel will focus on opportunities for aligning strategies, regulatory frameworks, and collaborative initiatives between Japan and the UAE. Experts will discuss mechanisms for joint projects, knowledge exchange, and policy coordination to accelerate innovation and ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.

    Speakers:

    • Eissa Al Manaei, AI Researcher, TRENDS Research and Advisory
    • Mr. Ren Ito, Co-Founder and COO of Sakana AI
    • Dr. Hiroshi Yamakawa, WBAI, University of Tokyo
    • Dr. Daisuke Okanohara, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Preferred Networks (Online Zoom)

    Moderator:

    • Mouza Almarzooqi, Senior Researcher, Director of Economic Studies Department, TRENDS Research and Advisory

    Panel Discussion: (45 minutes)

  • 16:00 - 16:15

    Closing Remarks & Recommendations

    • Prof. Satoshi Ikeuchi, Professor at RCAST of the University of Tokyo and Head of TRENDS Tokyo Office

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