6th Japanese Business Delegation to the UAE

For the 6^th time, JETRO Dubai hosted a new batch of Japanese business delegates from 7^th to 10^th October, focusing on the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy. Mr. Nobutaka Maekawa, Executive Vice President of JETRO, led the visit of 15 Japanese companies, specializing in innovations and technologies in the food security and agri-tech sectors.

On the first day, the delegation attended the “Dubai-Japan Business Forum”, organized by Wasl Group at Wasl Experience Center. Mr. Ahmed Al Shaibani, Head of Food Tech Valley Project, welcomed the delegation and delivered an insightful speech and presentation on the investment opportunities in the Food Tech Valley. Additionally, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Dubai Chambers, presented on the UAE’s food security initiatives, as well as Dubai’s economic landscape and investment potential. H.E Jun Imanishi, Consul-General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Dubai, also extended a warm welcome to the Japanese business delegation.

After the forum, Wasl Group also arranged a visit to the UAE’s first Zero Waste Food Security Initiative, ReFarm. The facility focuses on zero-waste food security solutions to decarbonize the food industry while implementing resilient and affordable agricultural practices.

On 8^th October, Japanese Business Delegation visited AgraME exhibition at the Dubai World Trade Center, to discover innovative agricultural solutions and sustainable practices from various countries. After the visit, the delegation attended the business networking session organized by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry titled “Accelerating Food Security: Exploring Synergies between Abu Dhabi and Japan”. The event focused on exploring investment between Abu Dhabi and Japan that support economic growth and enhance food security. H.E Masaood Rahma AlMasaood, Treasurer of Abu Dhabi Chamber, delivered the opening remarks and officially welcomed the delegation to Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber, along with other business entities such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, KEZAD Group, and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, conducted presentations on Abu Dhabi’s business environment and investment opportunities. The delegation also had the opportunity to meet and exchange business ideas with local companies during the networking session.

With the exceptional support of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the Japanese Business Delegation had the opportunity to visit some of the leading agricultural and food security facilities in Abu Dhabi. On 9th October, the delegation toured one of the region’s leading producers and distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Elite Agro. The group had the privilege also of visiting the facilities of Silal, the UAE’s leading Agri-Tech food company. The company’s effort aligns with the Abu Dhabi government’s mission to secure food supply chains and boost the supply and distribution of food within the Emirate.

On their final day in the UAE, the Japanese Business Delegation was warmly welcomed by the Dibba Bay team in Fujairah. Dibba Bay is the first and only gourmet oyster farm in the Middle East, known for its white and gold-flecked shell, meaty texture, and its status among the finest restaurant-grade oysters in the world.

After the tour, the group participated at the “Fujairah-Japan Investment Forum” hosted by the Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy. The forum was attended by various business entities and companies from Fujairah in the fields of agriculture and food security. It aimed to enhance investment in vital sectors and support the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051, in addition to the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme.

H.E Mohamed Obaid Bin Majed AlAleeli, General Manager of the Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy, officially opened the forum and delivered a profound speech, highlighting the valuable investment opportunities and the potential for further collaboration between Japan and the emirate of Fujairah. The delegation highly appreciated the presence of His Excellency and the business introductions of various entities, including the Fujairah Environment Authority, Fujairah Free Zone, Fujairah Research Center, Fujairah Rockwool, Siji Greenhouse, Green Coast Nurseries, and Wadi Dafta Plantation, which provided valuable insights into Fujairah’s business environment and investment opportunities.

Following the investment forum, Fujairah DIE also hosted a facility tour at Rumailah Farm, the UAE’s first Jersey cow milk farm, known for producing premium dairy products in Fujairah. Rumailah Farm's facilities are designed and built to produce high-quality dairy products exclusively from Jersey Cows. The Jersey cattle are naturally grazed and milked locally, allowing the farm to produce creamy, natural milk daily.

Mr. Nobutaka Maekawa, Executive Vice President of JETRO and the head of the delegation, is optimistic that the 6^th Japanese Business Delegation to the UAE will foster greater opportunities for business growth and cooperation between Japan and UAE.