 JICE-coordinated program provided hands-on training across nine Japanese companies and academic institutions, while fostering professional and people-to-people ties between Japan and the UAE (Abu Dhabi 29 September 2026) Twenty-two Emirati undergraduate and graduate students from leading UAE universities have completed internships across Japan, gaining practical experience in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to environmental technologies, engineering, media, food production and agriculture, while building connections with Japanese companies, researchers and local communities. The students, from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and Khalifa University (KU), undertook internships lasting between six and twelve weeks at nine Japanese companies and academic institutions as part of the 2026 Internship Program coordinated by Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE). The program is a government-funded initiative supported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and forms part of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI) between Japan and the UAE. It aims to foster a skilled Emirati workforce capable of thriving in a global environment through practical professional experience, while strengthening ties between young people in the UAE and Japan’s industry and academic sectors. At a reporting session held in Japan on August 5, students who had completed their internships presented their final outcomes, while HCT students, whose internships continued until August 21, reported on their progress and outlined next steps. The students also reflected on how the experience had contributed to their professional development and deepened their understanding of Japanese work culture. Turning learning into practical outcomes Across the program, students worked on projects addressing real-world challenges with relevance to both Japan and the UAE. At Miraikikai Inc., students gained hands-on experience with robotic technologies, including systems for cleaning solar panels. They also worked on the development of a system to measure the impact of dust accumulation on solar power generation efficiency – an issue of particular relevance to solar energy deployment in desert environments such as the UAE. At the Institute of Environmental Radioactivity (IER), Fukushima University<https://english. These experiences enabled students to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings and explore how technologies and approaches developed in Japan could respond to challenges relevant to the UAE and the region. “A goal with a soul” Speaking to students during the reporting session, Mr. Marwan Alnaqbi, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the UAE in Japan, encouraged them to make use of the knowledge and experiences they had gained in Japan for the future development of the UAE. He urged the students to think about their future and pursue what he described as “a goal with a soul” by setting meaningful goals while remaining connected to their culture, background and heritage. . through their time in Japan. Mr. Alnaqbi also noted the continued expansion of Japan-UAE relations beyond the energy sector into areas including technology, innovation, education, space and people-to-people exchange. Beyond the workplace: connecting with communities across Japan The internships extended beyond professional and academic training, giving students opportunities to engage with communities in different regions of Japan and introduce aspects of Emirati culture to Japanese people. In Fukushima, Emirati students visited a local school, where they introduced the UAE and its culture to Japanese children. In Kagawa, students interning at Miraikikai met local government representatives, including the Governor of Kagawa Prefecture and the Mayor of Takamatsu, and appeared live on a local radio program. In Kumamoto, students undertaking their internship with KIDS HOLDINGS learned about the production, hygiene management, halal practices and export of Japanese wagyu beef. Their activities attracted coverage from regional television stations and newspapers, reflecting interest within Japanese communities in the Emirati students and their experiences. Students in Hokkaido also interacted with Japanese university students, creating further opportunities for exchange beyond their day-to-day internships. Through these activities, the program provided opportunities not only for Emirati students to experience Japanese society and culture, but also for people in communities across Japan to learn more about the UAE. Growth recognized by Japanese hosts Host organizations also noted the development they observed among the students over the course of their internships. The Director of Institute of Environmental Radioactivity (IER) at Fukushima University commented on the significant growth demonstrated by the participating students during their eight-week placement, while Japan AI Consulting Corporation [RK9] noted that the students' sincere approach to learning and positive attitude had also provided valuable stimulation to those working alongside them. The feedback reflected one of the broader outcomes of the program: the internships created opportunities for learning and exchange on both sides, connecting emerging Emirati talent with Japanese companies, universities and communities. Mr. Tokuya Kanamori, Managing Director of the JICE Abu Dhabi Office, said: “We are very pleased to see the students successfully complete their internships and return with a wide range of professional and personal experiences. Throughout the program, they not only learned from Japanese companies and academic institutions, but also shared their own perspectives and culture with the people they met in Japan. We hope that the knowledge, relationships and experiences gained through these internships will support their future careers and contribute to further strengthening the ties between Japan and the UAE.” The 2026 Internship Program builds on JICE's continued efforts to promote human resource development and exchange between Japan and the UAE under the CSPI framework.
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