Three students, three industries, one shared commitment to developing the next generation of Japan–UAE talent
Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) Abu Dhabi Office is continuing its 2026 Internship Program, with 22 Emirati university students participating in the 2026 program at Japanese companies and academic institutions across Japan. Through practical workplace experience and cultural exchange, the program continues to strengthen human resource development and deepen the longstanding partnership between Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
Implemented under the Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI) between Japan and the UAE, the internship program has been fostering globally minded Emirati talent since 2012. To date, more than 145 Emirati students have completed internships with Japanese organisations across diverse sectors. This year also marks the first participation of graduate students from Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), reflecting the program’s continued evolution to support emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
The 2026 program brings together students from MBZUAI, Khalifa University and Higher Colleges of Technology, who are gaining practical experience in fields including artificial intelligence, engineering, media production, agriculture and manufacturing.
The experiences of three participating students, together with the perspectives of their Japanese host organisations, illustrate how the program creates value not only for the students but also for the companies welcoming them.
Artificial Intelligence – AWL, Inc.
Based in Hokkaido, AWL, Inc. is a global edge AI company developing advanced video analytics solutions for smart retail, security and digital transformation.
Among the six Emirati students currently undertaking internships at AWL is Hamdan Khaled Ghaith Khalfan Almehairbi, a graduate student specialising in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence at MBZUAI.
Ms. Mina Tsuchida, Senior Executive Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer of AWL, Inc., said:
“Our interns have demonstrated not only strong technical understanding but also genuine curiosity about how our technologies can be applied internationally. Discussions often extend beyond engineering to the broader potential of AI in different markets, and the fresh perspectives they bring have inspired our own team. We are delighted to participate in the JICE Internship Program and look forward to continuing exchanges with talented young people from the UAE.”
Hamdan said:
“Through my internship, I learned the importance of looking for elegant solutions, not just answers that solve an immediate problem but may create future issues. Often, the solution with the least friction is the best option. This experience will prepare me for a career in applied AI, where I hope to help companies integrate AI into their workflows and improve existing systems.”
AI Supporting Smart Agriculture – Local Dive Inc.
Local Dive Inc. is a Japanese technology start-up applying artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Obaid Mohamed Obaid Alobaid Aldhanhani, a Computer Engineering student at Khalifa University, is currently undertaking his internship at Local Dive.
Mr. Yoshimasa Nishimura, Representative of Local Dive Inc., commented:
“Obaid’s enthusiasm for learning has been exceptional. Rather than relying solely on technology, he actively visited agricultural sites and spoke directly with farmers to understand real-world challenges. His perspective from the UAE has also brought valuable insights to our team, making this internship a rewarding experience for everyone involved.”
Obaid said:
“One of the most important things I learned was the importance of speed in execution. At Local Dive, prototyping is treated as a strategy rather than a shortcut, and the team moves quickly to test ideas and apply AI to real-world problems. Seeing how Japan is using AI to support agriculture has also made me think about how similar approaches could contribute to food security in the UAE and create a bridge between the two countries.”
Media Production – NHK Enterprises
NHK Enterprises is one of Japan’s leading media production companies, producing television programs and digital content while supporting international content development and cultural exchange.
Wasayef Ibrahim Hassan Jolon Alhammadi, an Applied Media – Video Production student at Higher Colleges of Technology, is gaining practical experience at NHK Enterprises.
Ms. Keiko Tsuneki, Senior Producer, Content Development Center International Strategy, NHK Enterprises, said:
“Watching the students grow in confidence while experiencing different production environments has been extremely rewarding. Beyond professional training, the internship has encouraged meaningful cultural exchange between our teams. We hope they will go on to become media professionals who help strengthen ties and foster deeper mutual understanding between Japan and the UAE.
Wasayef commented:
“Learning inside one of Japan’s leading media organisations while experiencing Japanese culture has broadened my perspective and strengthened my confidence. This internship has motivated me to continue developing my creative and professional skills.”
While students gain practical knowledge and international workplace experience, participating Japanese organisations also value the opportunity to engage with talented young people from the UAE, exchange ideas and build long-term relationships with future professionals.
Mr. Tokuya Kanamori, Managing Director of the JICE Abu Dhabi Office, said:
“For more than a decade, the JICE Internship Program has served as a bridge connecting talented young people in the UAE with Japanese industry and academia. We are delighted to see that the program continues to provide meaningful learning opportunities for students while also creating value for our Japanese partner organisations. We hope the experiences gained this summer will contribute not only to the participants’ future careers but also to even stronger people-to-people ties between Japan and the UAE.”
The internship program will continue throughout the summer, after which participants will present the knowledge, skills and experiences gained during their placements at a reporting session.
For more information about the activities and programs coordinated by JICE, please contact the JICE Abu Dhabi office at [email protected], or visit www.jice.org/en.
