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Mid East Info
18-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Emirates Franchise Strengthens Japan Ties Through Expo 2025 Osaka Mission - Middle East Business News and Information
Mission promotes global expansion of Emirati brands and strengthens international franchise partnerships. Abu Dhabi:July 2025 – The Emirates Franchise, an affiliate of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led a high-level trade mission to Japan from June 18 to 23, 2025, coinciding with Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan. The mission aimed to highlight the advanced UAE model in the franchising sector, reflecting the development of the business environment in the UAE and its regional leadership in this field. The delegation was headed by Her Excellency Noor Al Tamimi, Chairman Emirates Franchise – Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber and included senior representatives from across the UAE's business ecosystem. Among them were Dr. Ahmed Al Shemili, Acting General Manager of the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms. Hamda Al Suwaidi, Technical Director of the Association, and Ms. Ahood Salah Almenhali, Events Coordinator. During visits to Tokyo and Osaka, the delegation met with the Japanese Franchise (JFA) engaged with economic institutions and companies interested in entering the UAE market. Discussions focused on fostering collaboration, showcasing the UAE's growing franchising opportunities, and outlining the Association's strategic plans to attract global brands and supporting the international expansion of local franchises. H.E. Noor Al Tamimi affirmed that this mission marks a key milestone in strengthening the global presence of Emirati franchising and reinforcing the UAE's position as a hub for innovative business models. 'She pointed out that the participation is a part of the Association's efforts to empower national brands, open new channels for international cooperation, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in line with the UAE's goals for international expansion. She added, 'Our engagements with public and private stakeholders in Japan emphasised the Association's role as a key enabler of franchise sector growth. These efforts contribute to building meaningful partnerships that transcend borders and highlight the UAE's appeal as a destination for high-value international brands.' On the sidelines of the visit, H.E. Al Tamimi explored with Mr. Yoshiteru Obinata, Executive Director of JFA, collaboration opportunities and knowledge exchange between the two sides. The discussion covered JFA's structure, which includes over 470 franchisors and 1,286 brands, and its role in advancing the sector through education, training, and sector development. The UAE delegation outlined its strategy to strengthen the global footprint of Emirati franchises and deepen cooperation with global partners. At the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, an introductory tour was held for both UAE and Japanese delegations, highlighting national achievements in innovation across sectors such as space, healthcare, and sustainability. The Emirates Franchise delegation, along with representatives from the Japan Franchise (JFA), toured the UAE pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, highlighting the UAE's efforts in innovation, with a focus on the space, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. During the visit, H.E. Al Tamimi presented the Association's vision to empower local brands and attract leading international franchises, enhancing the UAE's presence on the international franchise map. H.E. Dr. Al Shemili commended the Association for its leadership in organising the mission, while Ms. Sheikha Al Ketbi, Deputy Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion, praised the delegation's proactive engagement with Japanese and global stakeholders. The tour included visits to pavilions of other participating countries, where global experiences were explored and knowledge was exchanged on best practices in the franchising sector and sustainable development, reinforcing the Association's international visibility and ongoing efforts to promote Emirati brands on the global stage. The delegation also met with numerous Japanese companies interested in entering the UAE market. Mr. Sho Hideteki, from Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), expressed full support for facilitating market entry through collaboration with the Association and the Abu Dhabi Chamber. As part of the programme, the delegation participated in the 'Prosperous Franchising: From the UAE to Osaka and Beyond' session held at the UAE Pavilion, attended by JETRO officials and Japanese business representatives. The session highlighted the UAE's supportive business environment and franchising opportunities, creating pathways for future partnerships within the Japanese market and beyond. The delegation's visit resulted in tangible outcomes including strengthened cooperation with Japanese franchising institutions, the activation of a partnership agreement between the Abu Dhabi Chamber and JETRO, and the establishment of direct communication channels to facilitate the entry of Japanese companies into the UAE market.


Japan Times
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Japan Times
Japan Football Association planning to join Asia bid for 2046 World Cup
The Japan Football Association is planning to join a bid to host the 2046 FIFA World Cup. If the bid is successful, Japan would host World Cup matches for the first time since the country co-hosted the World Cup with South Korea in 2002. The JFA aims to be part of a joint bid by the East Asian Football Federation, to which the Japanese association belongs, and the ASEAN Football Federation. In March, the two federations agreed to consider hosting a World Cup together. Japan, South Korea and China, as well as Indonesia and Australia, which have abandoned their own plans for co-hosting the 2034 World Cup, have voiced interest in staging matches for the 2046 event. The JFA hopes to host its second World Cup by 2050. The federation also has a goal of winning the tournament for the first time. A World Cup hosted by one country has become increasingly unrealistic due to the event expanding to feature more participants. The 2026 event will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, while the 2030 tournament will be held in Europe, Africa and South America. The hosting of the massive sporting event is typically rotated between continents, based on FIFA policy. As Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup, a JFA official said that the 2046 event "is the most realistic option" for submitting a bid.

Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Ex-Lions coach Tsutomu Ogura joins Japan Football Association's technical committee
Find out what's new on ST website and app. On June 24, the Football Association of Singapore said that Ogura had resigned with immediate effect. SINGAPORE – Former Singapore national coach Tsutomu Ogura has joined the Japan Football Association (JFA) as the vice-chairman of its technical committee, it was announced on July 17. Japanese newspaper Sports Hochi said that the decision was made after a JFA board meeting in Tokyo. The JFA announced that Ogura and Hiroaki Takeuchi, the head of training quarters at J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale, have been appointed as new members of the technical committee, with Ogura serving as the vice-chairman. Explaining the move, JFA's technical director Masanaga Kageyama said: 'Mr Ogura has experience as a coach for the Japan national team, and has a diverse background in the training department and sports management at the club. He also served as the head coach of the Singapore national team, has been active internationally, and has a wide network. 'We expect him to play an active role in how to realise and execute the international strategy that has been lacking in the JFA until now.' The JFA technical committee was put in place in 2020 to help strengthen the Japan national team, develop youth players and train coaches. On June 24, the Football Association of Singapore said that Ogura, who was appointed in February 2024 on a two-year contract, had resigned with immediate effect, citing personal reasons. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 30% of aviation jobs could be redesigned due to AI, automation; $200m fund to support workers: CAAS Singapore HSA looking to get anti-vape cyber surveillance tool with AI capabilities Singapore Alleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences Singapore NTU upholds zero grade for student who used AI in essay; panel found 14 false citations or data Singapore Jail for contraband cigarette syndicate member over conspiracy to give bribes to security officer Singapore Residents in South West District get help to improve employability, find career opportunities Life Kinokuniya opens third bookstore at Raffles City, weeks ahead of schedule Business DBS shares rally to a new record as STI clocks yet another high While he declined to go into details publicly, Ogura told The Straits Times in an exclusive interview that he has a family issue to attend to, and it had reached a stage where he has to return home. The FAS is currently on the hunt for its fourth national coach in six years after Ogura's decision to step down. While the search for a new coach is in underway, former BG Tampines Rovers coach Gavin Lee, who was also national assistant coach to Ogura, has been installed as interim coach. Ogura, who holds an Asian Football Confederation professional diploma, the highest level of coaching accreditation issued by the continent's governing body, is a respected voice in Japanese football and has held roles in various levels of the Japan national team from 2006 to 2012. In 2010, Ogura was part of the coaching staff for Japan's World Cup campaign in South Africa, where they reached the round of 16. He also served as an assistant coach in Japan's Olympic national team from 2010 to 2012, before moving to club football with stints at Tokyo Verdy, Omiya Ardija, Ventforet Kofu, JEF United Chiba and Yokohama F. Marinos. As the sporting director of the Marinos, Ogura oversaw the club's first J1League title in 15 years in 2019.

18-07-2025
- Sport
Japan Planning to Join Asia Bid for 2046 World Cup
News from Japan Sports Jul 18, 2025 19:03 (JST) Tokyo, July 18 (Jiji Press)--The Japan Football Association plans to join a bid to host the 2046 FIFA World Cup, it was learned on Friday. If the bid is successful, Japan would host matches for the finals of the competition for the first time in 44 years, since the country co-hosted it with South Korea in 2002. The JFA aims to be part of joint hosting by the East Asian Football Federation, to which the Japanese association belongs, and the ASEAN Football Federation. The two federations in a meeting held this March agreed to consider hosting a World Cup together. Japan, South Korea and China, as well as Indonesia and Australia, which have abandoned their own plans for cohosting the 2034 World Cup, have voiced interest in staging matches for the 2046 event. The JFA hopes to host its second World Cup by 2050, as well as win it as host nation. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press


DW
25-06-2025
- Sport
- DW
Jordan's women aiming to follow men to World Cup – DW – 06/25/2025
Jordan's men have qualified for their first World Cup, providing excitement for the country and inspiration for the women to follow in their footsteps at the 2027 Women's World Cup. "We love football as much as any country in the world," Ayah Hussein told DW. She was one of many female fans looking forward to watching the Jordan men's national team in action at Amman International Stadium. "At the coffee shop, there were as many women as men, and women are just as excited about seeing the Jordan flag at the World Cup." The recent match against Iraq was effectively a friendly, coming after Jordan had already clinched qualification for their first World Cup a few days earlier. "I can't wait to watch the games next year," Hussein added. "It is going to be a big party, as we have waited a long time for this' A year after the men appear on the global stage, comes the Women's World Cup. Jordan is about to start qualification and is also desperate to appear at the tournament for the first time. The team came close to making it to the 2015 and 2019 before falling just short. A top six finish in the 2026 Asian Cup will be enough to earn a ticket to Brazil in 2027. If it doesn't happen then, the 2031 Women's World Cup will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams to give Jordan a greater chance in the future. It may be no coincidence that the men clinched a spot at the enlarged 2026 tournament, in which Asia's automatic allocation has doubled from four in 2022 to eight. Jordan launched its women's program in 2005, at a time when many countries in West Asia did not participate in football at all. At the time, there were around just 30 players to choose from in the entire country. Over the past few years, the work of the past two decades has started to bear fruit. "We have players who have retired and are now working in the federation, you have female coaches, referees and women working in the administrative field," Rana Husseini, president of the Jordan Football Association's (JFA) women's committee from 2009 to 2018, told DW. When she started in her role, games were watched just by the players' families. "Now, there are more and more people going, interest is growing." They are now watching a professional league, the latest season of which kicks off in September and features six clubs. The winner enters the preliminary stage for the Asian Women's Champions League while the bottom team, drops to a second tier. A pyramid has been developed. It has been a long journey, led by Prince Ali bin Hussein, president of the JFA since 1999, who once noted that "women are 50% of our society and should be involved in everything.' The prince, as a member of FIFA's Executive Committee, was instrumental in persuading the world governing body to lift its ban on players wearing hijabs – the headscarves worn by some Muslim women – in 2012. There have been other battles too. In a conservative Muslim country, not everyone agreed that girls should play sports. "They would get attacked, not physically but verbally, on social media there would be cyber-bullying," said Husseini. Events such as Jordan's hosting of the Women's U17 World Cup in 2016 have made a difference. "People have got accustomed to seeing women running and playing. They have broken social taboos, and you can see players from all parts of society." There are also significant financial benefits from the men reaching the World Cup. It has been reported that the total prize money for the 2026 tournament will be around double the $440 million (€379 million) on offer in 2022. For the Jordan FA, it could be worth between $10 and 20 million in appearance money alone. It is also expected that there will be a rise in commercial income from sponsors. A richer federation is good news for the women's game. "The obstacle for women's football is always money," said Husseini. "Having many teams at all levels, entering tournaments and travelling costs money. The World Cup will mean more money for the federation – and more money for the women's game means more opportunities." That is also the case elsewhere in the region. Twenty years ago, Jordan was a lonely federation in the women's game in West Asia. Now though, other Arab nations are taking to the pitch. Palestine, Bahrain, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates and, for the first time, Saudi Arabia and Iraq are trying to qualify for the 2027 World Cup. If neighbors can improve, then everyone stands to benefit from a stronger region. "You have to think of Asia in a regional and not continental context," Khalil Al-Salem, general secretary of the West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) told DW. "You have to tell Jordan that if you beat the 11 others in WAFF then you qualify for the World Cup. This encourages young federations like Qatar and Saudi Arabia to put more money into women, as they see a qualification path." It also means a wider and more lucrative path for young girls to become professional players. "Jordan has focused on girls and grassroots and while that is the correct way, the main issue has been that there is a drop-off around the age of 17," Al-Salim said. "That is when girls then decide to go to college and stop playing football. But when they see their compatriots going to the World Cup and other leagues and clubs nearby, they see a path to a career in football." Amid the current heightened tensions in the region, football is bringing good news to Jordan and, maybe more. "The fact that we finally got to reach the World Cup, is going to reflect positively on the mood in Jordan, specifically among the younger generation," Husseini said. "Young girls will see something big out of this and say 'I want to play around the world, I want to raise the kingdom's flag, I want to go to the World Cup.'"