![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sms-bridges.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/UAE21-Lead-photo-1-1024x1024.jpg\")
Since its major discovery of oil in Umm Shaif, Abu Dhabi in the 1950\u2019s, the UAE, particularly in the emirates of Dubai and Sharjah, has branched out into other free-market capitalist economies. Among these more recently-emerged economies are trade; tourism; machinery, electrical, and transportation equipment; minerals, stones, and precious metals; and technology, to name a few. While still heavily reliant on oil- and petroleum-based products, as well as on natural gas, the UAE now has the most diversified economy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This has been, in great part, thanks to the momentum initiated by Sheikh Zayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recognizing the UAE\u2019s ideal location as a hub for global commerce, Sheikh Zayed successfully brought in major foreign investment, a trend which has continued through the years, well into the leadership of H. H. Sheikh Khalifa. Among the countries that have steadily invested into the region, Japan continues to be a primary player in the area, with bilateral relations dating to 1972, and the opening of the Japanese embassy in the UAE in April 1974.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
50 golden years \u2014 and stronger than ever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As with all other foreign investors in the UAE, Japan\u2019s interest in the emirates commenced in the oil industry. Through the years, however, these interests have diversified, particularly in the area of trade, with Japan\u2019s brisk exports spanning a roster of products, including automobiles, machinery, and electric items. As of 2017, Japan\u2019s exports to the UAE totaled USD 7.2 billion, while its imports from the emirates, in the form of petroleum, LNG, and aluminum, amounted to USD 20.7 billion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe relations between the two nations have focused on the energy fields, but the current status has changed significantly. The UAE has succeeded in transitioning from a sole focus on oil economy with a diversified portfolio in trade, the financial sector, the manufacturing sector, transportation, space industry, and banking,\u201d His Excellency Akihiko Nakajima, Japan\u2019s Ambassador to the UAE, notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The UAE has succeeded in transitioning from a sole focus on oil economy with a diversified portfolio in trade, the financial sector, the manufacturing sector, transportation, space industry, and banking.<\/p>Akihiko Nakajima<\/strong>, Japan\u2019s Ambassador to the UAE<\/span><\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n In terms of business opportunities, Nakajima underscores the UAE as an investment destination, well into the foreseeable future. \u201cIn the energy sector, from traditional to new phases of energy cycles; in the infrastructure market, electricity, desalination, transportation,\u201d he says, of viable areas of investment. \u201cWe can also look into experimental projects for social engineering\u2014for example, the ICT, the UAE hyperloop, and the space industry\u2014from a different angle where we look at not just technology, per se, but the vision and management of such,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nakajima stresses several advantages, both tangible and intangible, that propel continued investment into the UAE. These benefits include the UAE\u2019s impressive transport infrastructure, modernized services, status as a Free Trade Zone, liberal social atmosphere and tolerant religious policy, security and safety, as well as the area\u2019s political influence in the GCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In reference to a global landscape that has been largely redefined by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE has adapted with noteworthy agility. Nakajima points to the high vaccination rate, PCR testing as a social infrastructure, as well as the government\u2019s public management systems as plus-factors amidst the pandemic. He also highlights the ongoing digital transformation, \u201cfurther widening the window of opportunities by accelerating the social implementation of Information Technology\u201d in the face of the crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A major event of the Year of 50 is the Dubai World Expo 2021. Bearing the theme \u201cConnecting Minds, Creating the Future\u201d the expo is a much-anticipated highlight of the UAE\u2019s Golden Jubilee festivities. Initially slated for last year but bumped to this year on account of the pandemic, the expo runs from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The organizers have billed the expo as a \u201cfestival of human ingenuity,\u201d as it recognizes the many collaborations and partnerships fostered that have paved the way (and continue to do so) for growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A major event of the Year of 50 is the Dubai World Expo 2021. Bearing the theme \u201cConnecting Minds, Creating the Future\u201d the expo is a much-anticipated highlight of the UAE\u2019s Golden Jubilee festivities.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Dubai World Expo 2021 likewise revolves around three sub-themes: Opportunity (which emphasizes how essential financial capital and the right partnerships are to growth and innovation), Mobility (which accentuates the necessity of physical mobility for people, as well as for the effective administration of goods and services, and digital connectivity through technology), and Sustainability (the ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drawing from the rich well of cultural representation within the UAE, especially in the highly cosmopolitan melting pot that is Dubai, this year\u2019s expo recognizes the National Day of each participating country. Japan Day is happening on Saturday, December 11, 2021. The Japan Pavilion will feature exciting exhibits and showcase relevant events. Pavilion attendants will interact with guests, thereby also laying the groundwork for Expo 2025 to be held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. \u201cWe can deepen not only the business ties, but also the cultural aspects, like introduce traditional culture tea ceremony, ukiyoe<\/em>, flower arrangements, and so on,\u201d Nakajima shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cultural ties between the two nations have, indeed, flourished through the decades.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nWhy invest? An array of advantages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Forging the future by melding minds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Strengthening ties through culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n