Representatives from seven prestigious Japanese universities visited the United Arab Emirates to attract some of the UAE’s brightest high school and university graduates to continue their education in Japan. The Japan Pavilion at NAJAH Abu Dhabi, held from October 27-29, 2024, attracted more than 1,600 visitors, and participating institutions expressed their satisfaction with the event’s success.
Seven universities participated in person at the event:
- Hokkaido University
- Hosei University
- Kyoto University of Advanced Science
- Kyushu University
- Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
- Shibaura Institute of Technology
- University of Tsukuba
The Japan Pavilion, hosted by the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), aimed to encourage students in the UAE to pursue their academic aspirations in Japan. The pavilion provided prospective students and their families with an opportunity to meet directly with representatives from leading Japanese educational institutions, establishing a direct link between students in the UAE and representatives in Japan.
Mr. Sultan Aljaberi, a Chemical Engineering graduate from Tokai University in Japan, joined the Japan Pavilion to share his insights and experiences with prospective students and their families. Reflecting on his journey in Japan, Aljaberi commented:
“Japan is an ideal destination for students seeking to challenge themselves and gain a unique educational experience. Whether or not you know Japanese, you’ll face various challenges that will help you grow and learn. Personally, studying in Japanese was initially difficult, but as I immersed myself, it became easier and more engaging. I made many Japanese friends who supported me along the way, which deepened my understanding of both the language and the culture.”
Mr. Mohamed Yousef, an Emirati who studied sustainability at Hosei University, was also present at the Japan Pavilion, meeting with students to answer questions and share his personal experiences. Reflecting on his time in Japan, he said:
“The country is known for its academic and technological advancements, so you will learn at the highest level, which will open doors for your career or postgraduate studies. Living abroad and experiencing a new culture, language, and environment is a unique challenge, but from my experience, it is an exciting one that allows you to grow into a better version of yourself.”
Dr. OKI Yutaroh, Associate Professor at Kyushu University, shared his insights: “I have participated in NAJAH Abu Dhabi for four consecutive years to promote studying in Japan. As in previous years, many student inquiries focused on fields like computer science, aerospace engineering, and medicine. However, this year, I noticed that more attendees were seriously interested in gathering detailed information about the application process. We look forward to returning next year and continuing to support students interested in studying in Japan.”
Mr. KANAMORI Tokuya, Managing Director of the JICE Abu Dhabi Office, expressed his enthusiasm about Japan’s successful participation at NAJAH Abu Dhabi:
“Japan’s participation at NAJAH Abu Dhabi was a great success, with over 1,600 visitors to our pavilion. I would like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, for visiting the Japan Pavilion and supporting our efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the UAE and Japan in the field of education. The majority of visitors to the Japan Pavilion were seriously considering Japan as a destination for furthering their education, and I am delighted that we had the opportunity to showcase some of the best universities Japan has to offer.”
For more information about the Japan International Cooperation Center and studying in Japan, please contact the JICE Abu Dhabi office at jiceadoffice@jice.org, visit www.jice.org/en, follow @jice_koho on Instagram, or call 02 406 9704.