Dubai and Japan sign agreement to support key economic sectors

Dubai Future Labs and Osaka University, under the oversight of the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), have signed an agreement to collaborate in the research and development (R&D) of new technologies and concepts.

The agreement is in line with “Dubai Research and Development programme” which aims to support key economic sectors and create new opportunities for growth by providing a comprehensive framework for research, development and innovation across the emirate.

Under the agreement, Dubai Future Labs, and JST’s Moonshot Goal 1 will engage in joint R&D activities together with the University of Electro-Communications, RIKEN, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International and Cyber Agent, Inc., and establish a world-class research laboratory, under the theme of Cybernetic Avatar Alliance: Dubai Japan Laboratories for Cybernetic Avatar Technologies.

The collaboration will focus on conducting cutting-edge research activities in the field of cybernetic avatars across three projects: operating a large number of Cybernetic Avatars (CAs) by a single operator using a large language model (LLM), developing a cybernetic avatar robot suitable for multi-cultural interactions and social acceptance studies on different types of Cybernetic Avatars (CAs).  DFL and JST’s combined efforts will also strengthen Dubai’s Research & Development programme, an initiative which aims to support key economic sectors and create new opportunities for growth by providing a comprehensive framework for research, development and innovation across the emirate across for priority areas: Health & Wellbeing; Environmental Technologies; Smart Built Infrastructure and Space.

DFL’s and JST’s leadership teams met to discuss the partnerships and protentional joint projects related to the JST Moonshot Research and Development programme, with a special emphasis on Moonshot Goal 1: Realization of a society in which human beings can be free from limitations of body, brain, space, and time by 2050.

Khalifa AlQama, Executive Director of Dubai Future Labs, said: “we are committed to working with the world’s top researchers, experts and institutions to exchange knowledge and ideas to advance research and development in critical areas.”

“The Japan Science and Technology Agency and DFL share a vision for a future enabled by technologies, where challenges are overcome through innovation. This collaboration will help unlock the potential of shared R&D and knowledge exchange, bringing minds together across borders to benefit the global community.”

Dr. Hashimoto Kazuhito, President of JST, said: “JST is one of the key organizations encouraging science, technology, and innovation in Japan. We believe it is extremely important to build an international network of multinational research partners, share information leading to the development of cutting-edge fields and technologies.”

“Conducting demonstration tests in Dubai, will not only be very important for achieving the Moonshot Goal, but will also foster a new generation of innovators with a global perspective through research and cooperative activities, and build a relationship that will enable both sides to grow to new heights. I would like to express my hope that this collaboration will lead to further development of research and development in the fields of robotics, digital and AI, including cybernetic avatars, and realise a “society free from the constraints of body, brain, space, and time”

Meanwhile the UAE Pavilion at Expo announced their participation in Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, which will commence in April 2025 under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.

The announcement was made through a groundbreaking ceremony held at the UAE Pavilion’s plot on the Expo 2025 Osaka site on Yumeshima Island.

The ceremony was attended by Shihab Al Faheem, Ambassador of the UAE to Japan, along with Expo organisers, official dignitaries and high-level officials.

The event marked the start of construction of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and the official handover of the plot by the Expo organisers.

Noura Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of State, commented on the occasion, “We are honoured to mark this occasion at the remarkable Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, where nations will come together to share the latest technologies, foster innovative ideas, and collaborate on solutions to address the global challenges facing humanity.”

“This World Expo comes at a pivotal moment for both the United Arab Emirates and Japan, as we strive to enhance our collaboration and work together to empower lives and achieve a sustainable future for all. Since 1971, the UAE has been steadfast in its commitment to global solutions, and we remain dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.” she added