- UAE Accounts for 45.6% of Japan’s Exports to the Middle East
- Japan Ranks as the Fifth Largest Market for UAE’s Non-Oil Imports, totaling AED 42 billion
- 120 Japanese Companies Explore Expansion Opportunities in the UAE Ahead of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
Dubai, UAE –8 February 2025: Maico Enterprise, the organizer of the Japan/Kyoto Trade Exhibition, which kicks off its second edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre Monday 10 Feb, anticipates strong growth in trade volumes and foreign direct investment (FDI) flows between the UAE and Japan. This growth aligns with the increasing interest of Japanese private sector companies in expanding their presence in the UAE and the wider region, particularly as the two nations embark on negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Mai Sakaue, CEO of Maico Enterprise and Chair of the Executive Committee for the Japan Trade Exhibition highlighted the remarkable growth in participation for the exhibition’s second edition, with over 100 companies and brands taking part. This surge underscores the UAE’s significance as a key market for Japanese businesses, serving as a gateway for regional expansion. Additionally, representatives from over 20 more Japanese companies will attend the exhibition to explore opportunities and assess potential participation in future editions.
According to Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) data, the UAE emerged as the largest market for Japanese exports in the Middle East, recording a total export value of $11.3 billion (AED 41.5 billion) between January and November 2024. The UAE accounted for over 45% of Japan’s total trade with the Middle East, which amounted to $24.7 billion during the same period. Official data from the UAE’s Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center also positioned Japan as the ninth-largest trading partner of the UAE in the first nine months of 2024, with a total trade volume of AED 45.4 billion. Furthermore, Japan ranked as the fifth-largest market for the UAE’s non-oil imports during this period, reinforcing the promising outlook for accelerating bilateral trade growth.
On September 18, 2024, the UAE and Japan initiated discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to unlock new opportunities for economic collaboration and sustainable growth for both nations and their populations.
The second edition of the Japan Trade Exhibition, taking place from February 10-12, 2025, will feature a diverse range of Japanese companies and brands from sectors including technology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, food industries, engineering, sustainability, tourism, healthcare, arts, and crafts. The event aims to explore trade and investment opportunities in the UAE and the region, leveraging Dubai’s strategic position as a dynamic global business hub.
As the first comprehensive platform showcasing Japanese innovations to businesses and investors in the UAE and GCC, the exhibition provides an exceptional opportunity to explore trade prospects, connect with industry leaders, buyers, retailers, and key decision-makers across multiple sectors in Japan, the UAE, the GCC, and the broader Middle East. It also facilitates cultural exchange between the two nations.
“We are excited for the second edition of the Japan Trade Exhibition to serve as a unique platform, not only for Japanese industries and innovations to forge strong business ties with UAE companies but also to celebrate Japan’s rich industrial and cultural diversity. With approximately 30,000 visitors expected, we are confident that this exhibition will be an outstanding opportunity for attendees from the UAE, the Middle East, and North Africa,” said Sakaue.
She added, “The event will host over 100 exhibitors, companies, and Japanese brands spanning industries such as technology, robotics, and aerospace, including cutting-edge solutions from Japan’s digital space industry, along with food and beverage, healthcare, and cosmetics. Among the key exhibitors is leading beverage company ITOEN and innovative startup AVITA, which leverages over 25 years of research by Hiroshi Ishiguro to develop AI-driven solutions addressing societal challenges.”
The 2025 edition has attracted a significant number of Japanese startups eager to explore investment and funding opportunities in the UAE, benefiting from the country’s pro-business environment and extensive support for emerging enterprises. These startups will unveil their latest innovations to visitors, investors, and business leaders through dedicated sessions highlighting advancements in AI, robotics, sustainability, healthcare, and green infrastructure technology.
The Japan Trade Exhibition serves as the premier platform for Japanese businesses to showcase their innovations to key players in the UAE, the GCC, and the broader Middle East. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore commercial prospects, engage with industry leaders, buyers, retailers, and policymakers, and participate in enriching cultural exchanges.
About the Japan-Kyoto Trade Exhibition:
The Japan-Kyoto Trade Exhibition, organized by Maiko Enterprises Inc., a Japanese trading company, is an annual event dedicated to fostering global collaboration by showcasing Japanese startups and their transformative solutions. The exhibition serves as a platform for networking, investment, and knowledge exchange, strengthening business ties between Japan and UAE.
The first edition of the Japan Kyoto Trade Exhibition was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from January 22 to 24, 2024, featuring 95 leading Japanese companies and brands across various sectors. The event attracted significant interest from investors, business leaders, and visitors eager to explore the latest Japanese innovations alongside traditional crafts and cultural heritage. For more information, please visit: https://japanmena.org/
