Abu Dhabi, 6 December 2024: In a visit that reflects the strong and growing ties between the UAE and Japan, Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, toured the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and the Jubail Mangrove Park as part of her visit to the UAE at the head of a delegation aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Tokyo and Abu Dhabi in various fields, including: cultural cooperation, digital transformation, wildlife protection – especially falcons, and addressing the challenges of climate change.
The visit reaffirms the two countries’ joint commitment to enhance environmental protection efforts, preserve wildlife, and promote cultural exchange. The Governor was accompanied on her visit by His Excellency Shehab Ahmed Al Fahim, UAE Ambassador to Japan. The Governor also travelled with a delegation of Japanese entrepreneurs as part of the "Startup Mission", which encourages them to explore opportunities to establish their projects in Abu Dhabi, helping to enhance economic cooperation and support innovation and entrepreneurship between the UAE and Japan.
The Governor and accompanying delegation were received by His Excellency Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), who stressed the importance of Governor Koike’s visit. He noted that it represents a milestone in UAE-Japan relations and opens up new horizons for future cooperation in the field of sustainability and environmental protection. Al Hashemi said: “We were pleased to host Governor Koike and showcase our joint environmental initiatives, and we look forward to deepening our partnership with Japan to support natural ecosystems and build a sustainable future for generations to come.”
During her visit to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, one of the world’s leading falcon medicine and research centres, Governor Koike learned about the UAE’s efforts to preserve the rich cultural heritage of falconry and protect wildlife. The Governor listened to a detailed explanation from Dr. Margit Muller, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, about the comprehensive healthcare procedures the facility provides to falcons, the role of the hospital in supporting biodiversity, and in promoting environmentally-friendly, traditional falconry practices. The Governor expressed her admiration for the UAE’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage and its active participation in global environmental preservation efforts.
Governor Koike concluded her Abu Dhabi visit with a tour of the Jubail Mangrove Park, an environmental model that reflects the emirate’s commitment to rehabilitating natural habitats and enhancing resilience to climate change. It is also a leading environmental education and recreational destination that aims to enhance awareness and knowledge of the ecosystem and biodiversity of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forests.
Eng. Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi, Corporate Director of Jubail Island Investment Company, accompanied Governor Koike on an exploratory tour of the park’s diverse ecosystem, where she learned about the vital role of mangrove trees in enhancing coastal resilience, supporting marine biodiversity, and as natural carbon sinks to help address the challenges of climate change.
Governor Yuriko Koike planted a mangrove tree in the park to express her commitment to supporting joint environmental initiatives and enhancing international efforts to combat climate change. The gesture represents a symbol of friendship and sustainable cooperation between Japan and the UAE, and as an affirmation of the importance of protecting biodiversity and contributing to the sustainability of ecosystems, especially in coastal areas that play a vital role in preserving the environment.
During the visit, The Governor was also briefed on the Abu Dhabi Pearl Project and learned about the ways in which local oysters are farmed sustainably in the Arabian Gulf, producing high-quality pearls. The Abu Dhabi Pearl Centre is the first and only one of its kind in the region to produce high-quality pearls using sustainable farming techniques. The centre has helped highlight Abu Dhabi's efforts to revive pearl-related traditions, through both local and international participation, to showcase sustainable oyster farming operations.
The Governor’s visit forms the basis for environmental cooperation between the UAE and Japan and supports the shared vision for sustainable progress, as the two countries continue their commitment to promoting cultural exchange, environmental protection, and innovation in line with their respective national strategies.