Key Facts
• METI Minister Akazawa to visit Saudi Arabia and UAE mid-January 2026
• Agreement expected on expanding investments in infrastructure and AI
• Saudi Arabia and UAE account for 80% of Japan’s crude oil imports
• About 30 Japanese companies to join the minister’s visit
• Saudi Arabia shifting from oil-dependent growth; Japan supports industrial diversification
• Over 300 cooperation documents signed previously in clean energy
• New memorandums planned in space and gaming industries
• UAE energy minister to discuss stable oil supply and collaboration in agritech and AI
Summary
Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Akazawa, will visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in mid-January 2026 to finalize agreements on expanding investments in advanced technologies such as infrastructure and artificial intelligence. These efforts aim to strengthen ties with key oil suppliers, as Saudi Arabia and the UAE provide 80% of Japan’s crude oil imports, ensuring energy security. Approximately 30 Japanese companies will accompany the minister, seeking to attract investment capital. Saudi Arabia is transitioning away from an oil-dependent economy, with Japan supporting diversification through over 300 cooperation agreements in clean energy and other sectors. New memorandums are expected in space and gaming industries. In the UAE, discussions will focus on stable oil supply to Japan and collaboration in agritech and AI, reflecting a shared goal of technological advancement and economic growth in the Middle East.
