In a significant move to strengthen economic ties with Japan, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is leading a high-level economic delegation to Japan from May 6 to May 9, 2025. This initiative is part of Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to enhance cooperation across various industries and high-growth sectors, reflecting the emirate's commitment to becoming a global economic powerhouse.
The delegation, organized in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Tokyo, comprises over 80 senior officials and executives from government entities, private sector companies, and startups. Notable participants include the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), among others.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, expressed enthusiasm about the delegation, stating, "Abu Dhabi’s soaring Falcon Economy is solidifying the emirate’s status as a rising economic powerhouse and a premier destination for global talent, high-value investments, and world-class enterprises. As part of initiatives to future-proof the economy, we are strengthening partnerships with leading economies and top trading partners around the globe, as well as investing in advanced industries, R&D, and entrepreneurship." This commitment is underscored by the impressive growth in trade between the UAE and Japan.
Over the past five years, trade between the UAE and Japan has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9 percent. During the same period, non-oil exports from the UAE to Japan increased at a CAGR of 8.8 percent, while imports rose at a CAGR of 12.2 percent. Furthermore, UAE investments in Japan have more than doubled, with the UAE attracting over 80 percent of Japanese investments in the Middle East.
The upcoming visit is also significant due to the anticipated signing of the UAE-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expected to be finalized later this year. This agreement aims to unlock new opportunities across various sectors, fostering the exchange of expertise and technology and opening new markets for businesses in both countries.
During their time in Japan, the delegation will participate in key events, including Expo 2025 Osaka, SusHi Tech – Tokyo, and the 11th Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council (ADJEC) meeting. They will also host the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) and the Abu Dhabi-Tokyo Business Forum, which aim to enhance cooperation and attract talent, business, and investment to Abu Dhabi.
His Excellency Shihab Ahmed Alfaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan, highlighted the importance of this visit, stating, "This visit reflects the deep-rooted and forward-looking partnership between Abu Dhabi and Japan. Japan’s expertise in digital transformation, technology, sustainable mobility, and industrial automation complements Abu Dhabi’s strategic sectors and our shared vision for a knowledge-based, net-zero future." He added that the CEPA will facilitate greater market access and enhance investment flows between the two nations.
Since its establishment in 2011, the Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council (ADJEC), co-chaired by ADDED and the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME), has been pivotal in driving bilateral cooperation across various industries. JCCME member companies operating in Abu Dhabi have a total capital value of AED106 billion, actively participating in sectors such as oil and gas, contracting, retail, consulting, education, and heavy machinery manufacturing.
Following successful forums in London, Beijing, and Shanghai, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) will debut in Japan on May 9, 2025. Organized by ADIO and ADGM, this event will provide a platform for top CEOs, business leaders, and investors to explore strategic partnerships and investment opportunities with one of the fastest-growing economies in the MENA region.
The forum will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and high-level engagements with Japanese government officials and corporate leaders, focusing on Abu Dhabi’s economic clusters, including the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI) cluster, AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster, and the newly launched Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster.
Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), in cooperation with ADGM and ADIO, will organize the Abu Dhabi-Japan Business Connect forum on May 8, 2025. This high-profile gathering aims to strengthen economic relations and international partnerships between Abu Dhabi and Japan, bringing together business leaders and officials to explore global investment opportunities.
In parallel with these efforts, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is making strides in enhancing the region's financial landscape. Recently, ADIO collaborated with Alpheya, a technology platform specializing in wealth management, to improve digital wealth management capabilities in the region. This partnership aims to drive innovation in financial services, create high-skilled jobs with a focus on Emiratisation, and align the wealth management sector with Abu Dhabi’s goals of attracting global investors.
Alpheya, supported by BNY, Lunate, and ADQ, offers an AI-based wealth management platform designed to assist banks, asset managers, and investment advisors in providing tailored financial services to high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The company has outlined plans for substantial capital and operational investments over the next three years, beginning with the establishment of a new office in the Al Ain region.
Roger Rouhana, CEO of Alpheya, stated, "We are committed to redefining how wealth management is delivered in the region, and partnering with ADIO marks a key milestone in that journey. By expanding within Abu Dhabi, we are continuing to set a new standard through a next-generation, AI-powered platform that allows financial institutions to provide personalized, data-driven investment solutions at scale."
Moreover, Alpheya is dedicated to developing local talent through initiatives such as an internship program for Emirati students, financial literacy initiatives for educational institutions, and an international exposure program for UAE Nationals. Badr Al-Olama, ADIO's director general, emphasized that Abu Dhabi is shaping the future of digital wealth management, creating an environment where innovation thrives and global financial leaders can scale.
Earlier this year, ADIO also partnered with Fosun International to facilitate the expansion of Fosun’s subsidiaries into Abu Dhabi and the Middle East. This partnership, announced at the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai, aims to enhance economic ties and solidify Abu Dhabi’s status as a global investment hub. ADIO will provide customized investor support, market access, and strategic guidance to boost Fosun’s presence in key sectors such as wealth management, fintech, premium real estate, and healthcare innovation.
