Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology in the UAE, and Muto Yoji, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, have engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation and exploring opportunities to further develop the space industry in both nations. This collaboration will occur under a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC), which will be coordinated by the UAE Space Agency along with other relevant entities. Both parties are working towards concluding and signing the MoC within the next year.

This initiative is part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative between the UAE and Japan, which was signed in September 2022. It builds on the outcomes of the UAE-Japan Space Public-Private Workshop that was held during the Abu Dhabi Space Debate conference in December 2024. The new efforts represent a significant advancement in strengthening space collaboration between the two countries.

The strategic partnership aligns closely with the initiatives of the UAE Space Agency, including the Space Economic Zones programme. This programme is designed to support the establishment and sustainability of local companies through collaboration with strategic partners. The focus is on creating an integrated business environment that meets both local and international needs, fosters innovation, and commercializes space technologies. This approach contributes to the growth of a diverse and sustainable knowledge economy.

Additionally, the two sides discussed the development of a roadmap for the space industry in both countries. They also plan to organize seminars aimed at implementing this roadmap, further solidifying their commitment to advancing their space cooperation.