UAE And Japan Propose Permanent Platform For AI And Space Cooperation

Speakers at a UAE–Japan symposium urged both countries to set up a permanent platform for joint work in artificial intelligence and space sciences, backed by a clear roadmap that moves research into market-ready products. They argued that such a long-term structure would help convert shared expertise into deployable systems and commercial solutions.

The event, titled Blueprints to Breakthroughs: Advancing AI & Space Collaboration Between Japan and the UAE, was hosted by TRENDS Research & Advisory with the Embassy of Japan in the UAE. Senior policymakers, academics and business leaders from both states examined how a deeper technology partnership could support innovation, investment and structured knowledge exchange.

Participants described UAE–Japan cooperation in AI and space as moving into a new phase, with policy alignment and shared governance now as important as technical projects. Discussions highlighted how the partnership links rapid innovation with ethical standards, long-term economic value and sustainable growth, presenting a balanced approach to advanced technology development.

The symposium programme contained four main sessions that examined public policy and research in detail. Panels covered UAE strategies for AI and space, current and future Japan–UAE space missions, emerging applications from advanced research, and rules for AI governance. Debates also addressed sovereign AI, private-sector roles, the space economy and international safety norms.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, said the symposium shows TRENDS’ focus on international research partnerships and on connecting academic work with public policy design. Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali also drew attention to a memorandum of understanding with the Mitsubishi Research Institute, which aims to build long-term joint research projects between both organisations.

Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, noted that UAE–Japan ties already offer a template for constructive cooperation and warned that competition in AI and space is intensifying worldwide. Japan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Ken Okaniwa, said AI and space sciences will sit at the centre of future bilateral cooperation as countries look for responsible solutions to global issues.

Hirofumi Miyake, Deputy Assistant Minister for the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the symposium aligned with high-level visits between the two states. Hirofumi Miyake pointed to the UAE’s space missions and Japan’s AI programmes, including links with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, as a strong base for joint initiatives.

Industry specialists stressed practical collaboration. Ren Ito, Co-Founder of Sakana AI, called for innovation models that prioritise efficiency, transparency and shared value. Prof. Hiroshi Yamakawa, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), referenced achievements such as the Hope Probe mission and expressed confidence that space cooperation between the UAE and Japan would deepen further.

Business figures at the symposium said the UAE’s stable and open economic environment supports long-horizon investment in AI and space-focused sectors. Speakers agreed that UAE–Japan collaboration now spans technical projects, policy design and commercial activity, creating a comprehensive framework for AI and space cooperation that reflects both countries’ strategic interests.

With inputs from WAM