UAE Delegation Strengthens Cooperation With Finland in Technology

A delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) led by Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, recently completed a successful three-day visit to Finland. This visit followed an earlier trip that identified key areas for collaboration in advanced and emerging technologies. The main purpose of this follow-up visit was to strengthen the partnership between the UAE and Finland and explore practical ways to work together in technology and innovation.

Focus On Advanced Technology Cooperation

During this visit, the UAE delegation emphasized expanding cooperation in several important technology areas. These included telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, defense technologies, energy, and space innovation. The goal was to find ways to support each other’s development efforts and create stronger links between the two countries in cutting-edge technology sectors.

High-Level Meeting With Nokia

In Helsinki, the delegation met with Justin Hotard, President and CEO of Nokia. Discussions focused on ways to improve collaboration in telecommunications and digital infrastructure. Both the UAE and Finland shared a vision of shaping the global innovation landscape, particularly in information and communications technology (ICT). This meeting highlighted how both countries can work together on future projects in mobile networks and smart digital systems.

Strategic Talks With Finnish Officials

Omran Sharaf also held a meeting with Antti Vasara, Special Envoy for Technology at Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The discussion focused on strengthening existing cooperation and exploring new opportunities for strategic partnership. Both sides expressed interest in deepening their collaboration to support technology development and innovation in areas such as AI, energy, defense, and space.

Engagement With Finnish Industry Leaders

The UAE delegation also met with several Finnish companies to explore collaboration opportunities. They engaged with Wärtsilä, a company specializing in advanced energy solutions and maritime technologies, and ReOrbit, which works on satellite and space innovation. These meetings provided insights into potential joint projects and practical ways the UAE and Finland could work together in key technology sectors.

Visit To Oulu Technology Hub

The delegation then traveled to Oulu, Finland’s leading hub for emerging technologies. In Oulu, they visited Nokia’s Over the Air Validation Area (OTAVA) and the new Nokia Campus. These visits offered a detailed view of advanced developments in telecommunications, including Nokia’s 6G Flagship project. This project is one of the world’s leading research initiatives for the next generation of mobile networks, and it demonstrated Finland’s position at the forefront of global telecommunications technology.

Roundtable With Local Technology Companies

The visit in Oulu concluded with a roundtable meeting with BusinessOulu, the Oulu Chamber of Commerce, and several leading Finnish technology companies such as Bittium, KNL, and Conlog. These companies are working on critical technology projects, including defense and dual-use technologies. The discussions focused on identifying collaboration opportunities and exploring joint innovation initiatives that could benefit both countries in technology development.

UAE Delegation Members

The UAE delegation included several important figures, such as Amna Fikri, UAE Ambassador to Finland and Estonia, and Waleid Al Mesmari, President of Space & Cyber Technologies at EDGE Group. Other stakeholders from G42, EDGE, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also participated. Their involvement ensured that discussions covered a wide range of technology areas, from AI and semiconductors to space and energy solutions, enabling the delegation to explore multiple partnership opportunities.

Strengthening UAE-Finland Relations

This visit highlighted the UAE’s strategy of sustained engagement with Finland in advanced technology sectors. By building stronger partnerships, the UAE aims to foster innovation, enhance global competitiveness, and support sustainable growth. Both countries recognized the importance of international collaboration in technology, especially in sectors that are critical for future development and economic growth.

Future Cooperation Plans

The UAE and Finland plan to continue working together on technology projects in AI, space, energy, telecommunications, semiconductors, and defense. These collaborations are expected to create new opportunities for research, industrial development, and innovation. Both countries also aim to share knowledge and expertise to ensure that their technological advancements benefit wider global markets and contribute to sustainable development goals.

Significance For Global Technology

The visit demonstrates how the UAE is investing in international technology partnerships to stay at the forefront of global innovation. Cooperation with Finland, a country known for its strong research and technology ecosystem, allows the UAE to learn from Finnish expertise and develop joint projects that can lead to world-class innovations. This strategic partnership is expected to have long-term benefits for both nations in areas such as space exploration, advanced energy systems, AI solutions, and digital infrastructure.

Enhancing Innovation And Competitiveness

By working together, the UAE and Finland can strengthen their positions as global leaders in advanced technology. The partnerships formed during this visit will help both countries develop competitive industries, attract global talent, and support startups and innovation initiatives. These efforts contribute to creating knowledge-based economies that rely on research, innovation, and cutting-edge technology solutions.

The UAE delegation’s visit to Finland successfully reinforced cooperation in advanced technology sectors. Meetings with government officials, industry leaders, and technology experts highlighted shared goals and opportunities for collaboration. This visit reflects the UAE’s commitment to international partnerships that drive innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development. Moving forward, both countries are likely to expand their cooperation in telecommunications, AI, energy, space, semiconductors, and defense, ensuring mutual benefits and global impact in technology advancement.