Al-Futtaim Celebrates Over 70 Years of UAE-Japan Collaboration, Highlights Role at Expo 2025 Osaka
Al-Futtaim, one of the UAE’s most prominent and diversified family-owned conglomerates, is proudly marking over 70 years of enduring partnership with Japan, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping economic, technological, and cultural ties between the two nations. The group’s extensive relationships with leading Japanese brands—including Toyota, Lexus, Seiko, Panasonic, and Toshiba—have brought innovation, quality, and global excellence to millions of customers across the Middle East.
As a major participant in the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Al-Futtaim is spotlighting its long-standing partnerships and the importance of cross-border collaboration in driving sustainability and future-focused innovation.
“For 70 years, the Al-Futtaim Group has been a key bridge between the UAE and Japan,” said Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al-Futtaim. “Our collaboration reflects not only a deep commitment to excellence and innovation but also our dedication to consistently driving progress across multiple sectors. We look forward to growing these partnerships with Japanese companies for generations to come.”
From introducing Toyota vehicles to the UAE in 1955 to building strong retail and distribution networks for Japanese brands in lifestyle, electronics, mobility, and infrastructure, Al-Futtaim has played a foundational role in enhancing the UAE’s global trade relationships.
Paul Willis, President of Al-Futtaim Automotive, emphasized: “Our 70-year partnership with Toyota reflects Al-Futtaim’s enduring commitment to the automotive sector. Together, we’ve made Toyota the leading automotive brand in the UAE, delivering unmatched quality and reliability.”
Long-term Japanese partners echoed this sentiment. Hirokazu Yoshida, Executive Officer of Panasonic, said, “For over 50 years, Al-Futtaim has brought our innovations to the Middle East, helping us deliver products that enhance everyday life.”
Akio Naito, President of Seiko Watch Corporation, added, “Our journey with Al-Futtaim is a story of craftsmanship and shared values. We are proud to celebrate this legacy.”
His Excellency Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, lauded the Group’s legacy: “Al-Futtaim’s decades-long relationship with Japan, beginning with Toyota, stands as a testament to the enduring private sector partnership between our nations.”
Japan was one of the first countries to recognize the UAE as an independent state in 1971, and the two nations formalized diplomatic relations in 1972. Today, the UAE is Japan’s top trading partner in the Arab world, accounting for nearly 40% of Japan’s exports to the region, while Japan remains one of the UAE’s top ten trade partners.
Looking ahead to Expo 2025, the theme of which is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” Al-Futtaim’s participation will celebrate this legacy while embracing the shared vision of a connected, sustainable, and innovation-driven future.
