Dubai is preparing to inaugurate the 2nd Japan Trade Exhibition on February 10, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The event will feature participation from more than 100 companies and brands, showcasing the growing trade relationship between the UAE and Japan. The organizer, Maico Enterprise, anticipates significant growth in trade volumes and foreign direct investment (FDI) flows as Japanese companies increasingly seek to establish a presence in the UAE and the broader region.

Mai Sakaue, CEO of Maico Enterprise and Chair of the Executive Committee for the Japan Trade Exhibition, emphasized the impressive increase in participation for this edition. The surge reflects the UAE’s role as a key market for Japanese businesses, acting as a gateway for expansion into the region. In addition to the exhibitors, representatives from over 20 more Japanese companies are expected to attend the exhibition to explore opportunities and consider future participation.

According to data from the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), the UAE has become the largest market for Japanese exports in the Middle East, with a total export value of $11.3 billion (AED 41.5 billion) recorded from January to November 2024. During the same period, the UAE accounted for more than 45% of Japan’s total trade with the Middle East, which amounted to $24.7 billion. Furthermore, statistics from the UAE’s Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center rank 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.

The exhibition will run from February 10 to 12, 2025, featuring a wide array of Japanese companies from sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, food industries, engineering, sustainability, tourism, healthcare, arts, and crafts. The event aims to foster trade and investment opportunities in the UAE and the region, capitalizing on Dubai’s strategic position as a vibrant global business hub.

As the first comprehensive platform to showcase Japanese innovations to businesses and investors in the UAE and GCC, the exhibition will offer a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, buyers, retailers, and key decision-makers. It also aims to enhance cultural exchange between Japan and the UAE. Sakaue expressed enthusiasm about the exhibition, stating, “We are excited about 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.”

The event is expected to attract around 30,000 visitors, presenting an outstanding opportunity for attendees from the UAE, the Middle East, and North Africa. The exhibition will host over 100 exhibitors, including companies and Japanese brands from various industries like technology, robotics, and aerospace. Additionally, it will feature innovations from Japan’s digital space industry, along with offerings in food, beverage, healthcare, and cosmetics.

The 2025 edition has drawn significant interest from Japanese startups looking to explore investment and funding opportunities in the UAE, which is known for its pro-business environment and support for emerging enterprises. These startups will unveil their latest innovations through dedicated sessions focused on advancements in AI, robotics, sustainability, healthcare, and green infrastructure technology. The Japan Trade Exhibition aims to be the premier platform for Japanese businesses to present their innovations and facilitate meaningful connections within the UAE, the GCC, and the broader Middle East.