Abu Dhabi woos Japanese businesses as UAE trade up 12 per cent in recent years
The UAE and Japan are looking to further strengthen trade relations between the two countries.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) hosted public and private sector leaders at the Abu Dhabi–Japan Business Connect Forum in Tokyo to explore key investment opportunities and exchange ideas on advancing sustainable development and innovation.
The Forum, which was held in the presence of Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan, comes in line with efforts to strengthen cross-border partnerships and drive economic growth.
UAE and Japan trade
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADCCI, said: 'Japan has played a pivotal role in shaping our development, from urban planning to industrial growth, and it remains one of our top trading partners.'
He noted that UAE's trade with Japan has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9 per cent over the past five years.
During the same period, the UAE's investments in Japan more than doubled, while the country attracted over 80 per cent of all Japanese investments in the Middle East.
Al Zaabi added: 'Our advanced infrastructure, business-friendly ecosystem, smart city and quality of life initiatives have helped us attract global talent, entrepreneurs, and investors. Trade has been a key enabler of this economic growth,' pointing to Abu Dhabi's strong track record in economic diversification'.
He noted that non-oil trade rose by 9 per cent in 2024, while non-oil exports surged by 86.4 per cent during the same period.
Al Zaabi emphasised the importance of regulatory reforms, improved ease of doing business, and seamless digital integration to global business, while working closely with Japan to build a future that empowers economies, enriches societies, and inspires future generations.
During the event, ADCCI and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen business relations and create new opportunities for collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Japan, reinforcing a shared vision for promoting long-term trade and sustainable growth, particularly in innovation, sustainability, and advanced technologies.
The MoU was signed by Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, and Nobuyuki Nakajima, Managing Director of JETRO MENA, in the presence of the UAE Ambassador to Japan, Shihab Al Faheem — marking the start of a new phase of collaboration.
Al Dhaheri said: 'The MoU with JETRO marks a key step in deepening economic ties between Abu Dhabi and Japan, while the forum provides a valuable platform to drive investment, foster innovation, and build sustainable partnerships across key industries.
'By aligning around our shared values — growth, sustainability, and technological progress — we are not only unlocking new business opportunities, but also contributing to a more connected and prosperous global economy.'
Nakajima said: 'This is a significant milestone in enhancing the economic partnership between Japan and the UAE. Japan is committed to expanding its collaboration with the UAE, and this offers an invaluable opportunity to explore new investment avenues and foster mutually beneficial business relationships.
'As both nations focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, we are confident that this event will pave the way for groundbreaking partnerships that will shape the future of both our economies.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
3 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE shoppers want 1-click, biometric checkouts for safer online payments: Visa
Consumers across the UAE are calling for more secure and seamless online shopping experiences, according to Visa's latest Checkout Friction Report. Despite the rapid growth of ecommerce and digital adoption in the region, key challenges at the checkout stage continue to hinder consumer satisfaction and business performance. Based on a survey of more than 2,000 online shoppers across the GCC, the report shows that security concerns and complex payment steps are the top barriers to smooth transactions. Online shopping in the UAE In the UAE, 40 per cent of shoppers cite fear of fraud as their biggest concern, while 37 per cent are frustrated by the need to repeatedly enter card details. Shopping frequency is high, with one in three UAE consumers buying groceries online multiple times a week, and categories like fashion, entertainment, and electronics seeing regular purchases monthly. However, friction during checkout can lead to abandoned carts and lost revenue for retailers. Visa's research underscores a growing preference for advanced payment technologies. A significant 67 per cent of UAE shoppers said they would adopt biometric authentication like fingerprint or face ID to check out online. Additionally, 65 per cent support a unified registration process for digital payments across websites. The report also highlights that 82 per cent of consumers would shop online more frequently if one-click checkout options were widely available, and 66 per cent are likely to use Visa's 'Click to Pay with Biometrics' feature. This solution simplifies online shopping by eliminating manual card entry, using secure device-based biometric authentication to speed up and protect the transaction process. Salima Gutieva, Visa's VP and Country Manager for UAE, said: 'Challenges in the online checkout process have direct implications for businesses, resulting in lost revenue, and hampering both customer acquisition and retention. 'Today's consumers expect – and deserve – a more seamless and secure eCommerce experience. That's why Visa is working with partners to enable solutions like Click to Pay, which leverages biometrics and tokenisation to eliminate key pain points and deliver a more convenient shopping experience.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio to Launch 830 Million New Leones (€34 Million) Solar Minigrid Project, Powering Sierra Leone's Green Future
In a landmark step toward sustainable development and inclusive energy access, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is set to officially launch the Salone Off-grid Renewable Energy Acceleration Initiative (SOGREA), a €34 million (approximately 830 million New Leones) solar minigrid project that will significantly advance Sierra Leone's green energy future. Hosted by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), the initiative is a collaborative effort between the Government of Sierra Leone, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). SOGREA aims to increase energy access in rural communities across the country by 2027, deploying at least 5.2 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar generation capacity through the installation of minigrids. The project is set to benefit 25,000 households and 2,800 businesses across approximately 60 communities, offering them reliable, clean, and affordable electricity for the first time. To brief the President on the status and next steps of the project, EU Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, accompanied by Dr. Kandeh Yumkella and other private sector partners, visited State House today. The high-level delegation engaged President Bio on the technical, regulatory, and financial readiness of the initiative, and reaffirmed their collective commitment to ensuring its success. Speaking during the meeting, President Bio expressed deep appreciation to the EU for their steadfast partnership and support in fulfilling his administration's promise of inclusive development across Sierra Leone. 'Taking energy to the people is key,' the President emphasized. 'This project is a significant milestone. It demonstrates mutual trust and confidence with our partners, especially at a time when development assistance is dwindling globally. This shows we still enjoy goodwill.' He further assured the visitors of his government's commitment to building the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks: 'I am aware of the revised regulations for the Sierra Leone Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (SLEWRC), and my government will ensure Parliament sets the required legal framework to support implementation.' The President added, 'Together, we will make electricity accessible to all and no one will be left behind.' At the heart of SOGREA's success is its catalytic investment model, which blends public and private sector support to create a sustainable ecosystem for minigrid development. Energy Sector lead, Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, a driving force behind the initiative, explained that over the last two years, critical groundwork has been laid, including the revision of existing regulations under the EWRC Act and the design of investment incentives to attract private developers. He confirmed that implementation agreements have been signed and that President Bio will officially launch the project. Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, Head of the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, underscored the importance of the initiative as a major milestone in the country's pursuit of clean energy and rural transformation. 'We are proud to support a project of this magnitude,' he said. 'The EU's total investment stands at €34 million, including €22 million in direct investment support and technical assistance, while the Government of Sierra Leone is contributing 50 million Leones.' The project was developed in partnership with UNOPS, with a focus on enabling private sector entities to develop, finance, own, and operate solar minigrids. Ambassador Jankowski noted that the investment model includes reimbursement schemes, leveraging of additional financing, and regulatory mechanisms to bridge the gap between tariffs and what rural communities can afford. He highlighted the strategic involvement of key institutions such as SLEWRC and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Unit, which will guide implementation and ensure long-term regulatory stability. Beyond powering homes and businesses, the SOGREA initiative is expected to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and empower women and youth, particularly in off-grid and underserved regions. By supporting President Bio's 'Big Five Game Changers', especially in technology and innovation, the initiative reinforces Sierra Leone's commitment to becoming a hub for green investment and renewable energy development in West Africa. As the country moves steadily toward universal electricity access, the launch of SOGREA marks a defining moment in Sierra Leone's journey toward climate resilience and inclusive growth. With strong international partnerships and a forward-looking energy policy, Sierra Leone is lighting the path to a sustainable, empowered future, one solar grid at a time. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City open retail store at Dubai Mall
Are you a fan of Abu Dhabi-owned English Premier League side Manchester City and want to get your hands on some cool club merchandise, but live in Dubai? Fret not. The 10-time Premier League champions have opened a new store at the Dubai Mall. It marks the second retail store of the 2022-23 Champions League winners after Yas Mall in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. The outlet at Dubai Mall also joins flagship stores Manchester City Stadium Store and Arndale City store in the city of Manchester, England, as well as pop-ups in New York City and Seoul. Fans of the club, kitted by German manufacturer Puma, will have access to merchandise as well as some memorabilia collections. The store at Dubai Mall introduces an updated version of the brand's award-winning 'Field of Play' concept, designed to reflect stadium and fan culture. The Dubai location features elements such as locker-style zones and visuals from iconic Manchester City matches. City, who won four successive Premier League titles in 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24, didn't quite have the season according to the high benchmarks that they set. Nonetheless, The Sky Blues, managed by former FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich tactician Pep Guardiola, finished third in the League behind perennial rivals champions Liverpool and Arsenal.
