UAE ambassador welcomes Japan's new prime minister, hopes to strengthen cultural ties, says
Assalamu alaikum - The UAE’s ambassador to Japan has expressed optimism about Sanae Takaichi being chosen as Prime Minister and is looking forward to deepening the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
Shihab Al Faheem said the emphasis will stay on building people-to-people links after the tragic assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe in 2022. He noted that Ms Takaichi served under Mr Abe and that Abe had been a close friend of the UAE and its leadership.
“We have very close ties with Japan,” Mr Al Faheem said in an interview in Abu Dhabi. “Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was part of Shinzo Abe’s cabinet. He was very connected to our region, especially to the President of the UAE. We congratulate her on this major achievement and are hopeful for an even stronger relationship.”
Often called Japan’s “Iron Lady,” Ms Takaichi, 64, admires Margaret Thatcher and became Japan’s first female leader. She is the country’s fourth prime minister in five years and previously handled telecoms and broadcast regulation under Mr Abe.
After Expo Osaka 2025 finished, the ambassador described the UAE pavilion as a “cultural bridge” that helped tell the UAE’s story. The pavilion - praised for its architecture and landscape - drew millions of visitors, demonstrating how cultural exchange builds lasting bonds.
“We wouldn’t have five million visits unless there was a story to share. For us that story is the UAE, our heritage and culture,” he said. He recalled visitors who had seen the UAE’s pavilion long ago as schoolchildren in 1970 and returned decades later with photos - a sign of enduring connection.
Abu Dhabi had a presence at the 1970 world fair, even before the emirates united, and this year’s pavilion recreated a date palm oasis and showcased the UAE’s steps in space and sustainability.
“When we saw schoolchildren visiting, we knew this experience would stay with them for decades,” Mr Al Faheem said. “It was a real cultural bridge with Japan.”
Young Emirati ambassadors who spoke Japanese played a key role in engaging visitors. “Our youth ambassadors - 24 Emiratis and 24 Japanese - told the story and attracted crowds. Some families came back dozens of times,” he added, describing the emotional farewell from fans of the pavilion staff.
The ambassador said the UAE will continue to be an important link as world expos move in the region, noting optimism for Riyadh Expo 2030 following Dubai Expo 2020 and Osaka’s success.
Economic and scientific cooperation is also expected to grow - from green energy projects to space partnerships. He mentioned past collaborations such as the KhalifaSat launch and the Hope probe, and future plans like asteroid-belt exploration with Japan’s H3 rocket. Japanese partners are now working with the UAE on waste-to-energy, solar, ammonia and hydrogen projects as the countries move from traditional energy ties to future energy collaboration.
Fluent in Japanese, Mr Al Faheem has strong personal ties to Japan after living there years ago. He climbed Mount Fuji in 2021 and has visited all 47 prefectures to better understand the nation and its people.
There is also a cultural tradition of goodwill: since 1979 the UAE has presented a large ceremonial coffee pot-shaped cup at sumo tournaments as a gesture of hospitality and friendship to support Japan’s national sport.
Overall, the ambassador’s message was hopeful: with shared history, strong cultural exchange and growing cooperation in business and science, the UAE-Japan relationship looks set to deepen under the new Japanese leadership. Wa alaikum assalam.
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