UAE Strengthens Space Collaboration with Japan Through High-Level Delegation Visit

In a strategic move to expand its global space partnerships, a high-level delegation from the UAE Space Agency, led by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, completed an official visit to Japan to explore deeper collaboration in space exploration, scientific research, and the advanced space industries.

The visit aligns with the UAE’s ongoing mission to become a global leader in space science and innovation, under the umbrella of the National Space Strategy 2030. Dr Al Falasi emphasized that the UAE’s strategy is guided by a vision to build a sustainable space economy, support cutting-edge research, and enable the private sector to play a more active role in space innovation.

“Our visit to Japan reflects the UAE’s role as a bridge for international collaboration,” Dr Al Falasi said. “We aim to connect national aspirations with global space initiatives, ensuring that our partnerships contribute to a more integrated and inclusive global space ecosystem. Cooperation with Japan opens doors to mutual progress in science, technology, and exploration.”

The delegation held high-level discussions with officials from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, led by Vice Minister MATSUO Takehiko, where both parties explored opportunities in space-related industrial development and innovation in exploration technologies.

A key highlight of the visit was a tour of the JAXA Tsukuba Space Centre, where Dr Hiroshi Yamakawa, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), welcomed the UAE delegation. The tour showcased Japan’s leadership in space sensing systems, satellite research, and deep space exploration, including ongoing and upcoming missions.

In addition to agency-level talks, the UAE delegation also visited the Tobeshima plant of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), one of Japan’s most advanced satellite and spacecraft manufacturing centers. Dr Al Falasi met with Iwao Igarashi, Head of Space and Vice President of MHI’s Space Systems Division, where they discussed enhancing collaboration in space manufacturing, knowledge exchange, and capacity building between the two nations.

Salem Butti Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, called the visit “a significant milestone in our growing partnership with one of the world’s foremost space powers.” He added, “This cooperation marks the beginning of a new phase of scientific and industrial collaboration that will benefit both regions and contribute to global progress in space innovation.”

The UAE Space Agency reaffirmed its commitment to forging strong international alliances as it seeks to accelerate national space capabilities and empower the next generation of space professionals in the UAE and beyond.