Japan-UAE Educational Cooperation : Bridging Cultures, Empowering Futures
Ever since 2013, when the office was established in Abu Dhabi with significant support from the Government of Abu Dhabi, Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) has been supporting the growth of human resources in the UAE. Prior to its establishment, the then Prime Minister ABE Shinzo announced that Japan would welcome 500 UAE students over the next 5 years, and since then not only the number of students from the UAE has increased, but various educational cooperation between Japan and the UAE has also been strengthened, including promoting Japanese language education at universities and secondary schools, showcasing Japanese universities at NAJAH educational exhibition in Abu Dhabi, collaborating with ne’ma to advocate reducing food waste in the UAE, and coordinating internship programs for Emirati students at various Japanese companies.
In particular, in collaboration with ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, an insightful diary program focused on awareness of food waste reduction engaged students at a private school in Abu Dhabi, and the final presentation was given at COP28 last December. In addition, with an 8-week internship program taking place from May to August again this year, JICE is planning to further expand the internship program for Emirati students.
On March 8, H.E. ISOMATA Akio, Ambassador of Japan to the UAE, Mr. TOTSUKA Nobuo, Executive Director of JICE and Prof. OKI Yutaro, Associate Professor at Kyushu University, invited three Emirati youths who have recently graduated from Japanese universities to discuss the current educational cooperation between Japan and the UAE, and the ideas for future cooperation. The discussion was moderated by Mr. KANAMORI Tokuya, Managing Director of JICE Abu Dhabi Office.
The three students are:
Mr. Abdulsamad Bawazeer, a graduate from Tokai University (bachelor degree)
Mr. Ahmed Sulaiman Alriyami, a graduate from Tokai University (bachelor degree)
Ms. Zahra Salman, a graduate from Kyushu University (master degree in biotechnology)
Why Japan?
When Mr. Alriyami was in high school, he attended various seminars and started to consider studying in Japan. He knew it would be challenging but thought the best way to learn languages would be to immerse oneself in the culture.
Since Mr. Bawazeer was a child, he felt surrounded by Japanese culture and products, like anime/manga, cars, and electronics appliances. He also had opportunities to visit Japan, which helped lower the fear level before attending Tokai University. Indeed, language was a major challenge at first, but in the end, he overcame it by immersing himself in Japanese culture and learning and adopting the Japanese way. He now makes a conscious effort to stay connected with his Japanese friends to maintain his language skills.
The beautiful nature and landscape of Japan were key factors for Ms. Salman, a biotechnology master graduate, deciding to study at Kyushu University. Her curiosity about Japanese culture led her to choose Japan, and she was fascinated to find out that there were many similarities between the UAE and Japan, such as respecting elders and emphasizing values on individuality.
All three students encourage younger Emirati students to follow in their footsteps, step out of their comfort zone, and not be afraid to make mistakes while interacting with Japanese people.
Future Prospects
H.E. ISOMATA encouraged them to stay connected with Japan and Japanese people. He highlighted the students’ knowledge and experience acquired in Japan as important assets for both the students and the society, and he expressed his hope to see them become future leaders bridging the two nations. He also mentioned that the demand is high not only in the UAE but also among many Japanese companies and organizations for these talented Emiratis with cross-cultural experiences, including communication skills.
Dr. OKI added that having the experience of studying in Japan would offer an advantage in serving as a bridge between the two countries, particularly in scientific research. Ms. Salman is currently conducting research for her PhD in the UAE. Japanese education has opened doors to various careers locally and globally, particularly in terms of scientific research.
While learning the Japanese language might be an essential aspect of living in Japan, it might not be required to complete tertiary education in Japan. Dr. OKI mentioned that more universities offer courses in English, especially in engineering and bioscience areas, and around 50 universities offer bachelor programs in English. The opportunity to study in Japan is expanding.
Contributions to Japan-UAE Relations
Japan has shown an increased interest in the UAE. Recently, there has been an increase in the flow of exchanges from Japan to the UAE. For example, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has started the exchange programs between Japanese high school students and Emirati students at secondary schools, where Japanese language courses are taught to students. Following EXPO 2020 Dubai, Osaka/Kansai will host EXPO 2025, and as part of the exchange preparation, junior high school students from Arida City in Wakayama Prefecture in the Kansai region are planning to visit the UAE this year.
H.E. ISOMATA noted that through the acceptance of Emirati students at the Japanese School in Abu Dhabi, exchanges between Japanese and Emirati students are taking place at the school ”every day” and “in Japanese language”, as well as that the Ship for World Youth (SWY) program organized by the Government of Japan, in which the UAE has been participating since its inception in late 1980s, has also led to robust exchanges between Japanese and Emirati youths.
Promoting studying in Japan will continue to be a major part of JICE activities in 2024. Mr. TOTSUKA added that many Japanese universities have continuously participated at the UAE’s largest higher education exhibition, NAJAH Abu Dhabi since 2013. Currently, there are 63 Emirati students studying in Japan, and JICE will provide various support for them. Japan will continue to engage in educational exchange between the two nations and further contribute to human resource development in the UAE.