Emirati Students Complete Training at Japan's International Center

Twenty-one Emirati students just wrapped up an eight-week training program at top Japanese companies and research institutes, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology sectors. The Japan International Cooperation Center program has now trained 125 Emirati students since 2012, with this year's group including 14 female participants from leading institutions like Khalifa University.

The students worked across 10 Japanese organizations spanning heavy industry, artificial intelligence, environmental energy, food manufacturing, and advanced measurement technologies. This isn't just classroom learning – participants got direct exposure to how Japanese companies operate, from global corporations to specialized small and medium enterprises.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry sponsors this program as part of a broader push to build competitive Emirati talent for the global market. The timing makes sense given Japan's expertise in advanced manufacturing and the UAE's focus on economic diversification beyond oil.

What's notable is the growing participation of women in technical fields. This year's cohort included students from Khalifa University of Science and Technology and Higher Colleges of Technology, institutions that are key to the UAE's strategy of developing local expertise in science and engineering.

For Japanese companies, these programs create early connections with potential future partners or employees in a region where Japan has significant business interests. The UAE serves as a gateway to Middle Eastern and African markets, making these educational partnerships strategically valuable for both countries.

The program's expansion since 2012 reflects deepening UAE-Japan ties in technology transfer and human capital development. As both countries invest heavily in AI, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, these student exchanges help build the technical workforce needed for future collaboration.