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5/6/25, 5:15 PM Abu Dhabi set to deepen co-operation with Japan in clean energy, hydrogen, AI and life sciences | The National
healthcare equipment.

The UAE, Japan energy co-operation is unlikely to change in the near term given Japan’s

reliance on imports of oil but the two countries will be looking to expand their partnerships in
new areas.

“Japan’s AI Strategy, announced in 2022, put a real emphasis on international collaboration –
and the UAE is well-positioned to be a key partner,” Borko Handjiski, partner, government and

public institutions at Oliver Wyman, said.

“Both countries are also committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, so there’s a lot of

room for joint work in areas like hydrogen, solar and battery technologies, nuclear, and carbon
capture.”

The Emirates is stressing on the use of AI and has launched various initiatives following the
unveiling of the UAE Strategy for AI in 2017.

The two countries are also co-operating in clean energy sector.

In 2023, Adnoc signed a deal with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to explore potential

opportunities in green hydrogen and ammonia value chains.

The same year Masdar also announced a partnership with Mitsubishi Chemical Group

and Japan’s Inpex to explore production of the world’s first commercial-scale polypropylene
made from carbon-dioxide and green hydrogen in Abu Dhabi.

Cepa boost

The UAE and Japan are also holding talks to sign Comprehensive Economic Partnership

Agreement to further bolster ties and the two sides are expected to conclude talks by the end of
the year.

“A Cepa between the UAE and Japan would be a major catalyst for deeper economic ties,” Mr

Handjiski said. “With Japan, a Cepa could open up even more targeted opportunities –

particularly in AI, clean energy, and innovation-driven industries, which are strategic priorities for
both sides.”

The UAE, which aims to boost trade and economic relations with countries around the globe, is

working towards signing a total of 26 cepas, as it seeks to attract more investment and diversify

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