Arab News Japan

ABU DHABI: Tokyo Governor KOIKE Yuriko toured the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and the Jubail Mangrove Park as part of her recent visit to the UAE.  

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Governor was the head of a delegation aimed at strengthening relations between Tokyo and Abu Dhabi in cultural cooperation, digital transformation, wildlife protection – especially falcons, and addressing the challenges of climate change.

Koike visited the hospital with UAE Ambassador to Japan Shehab Ahmed Al Fahim and a delegation of Japanese entrepreneurs as part of the “Startup Mission,” which encourages to establish their projects in Abu Dhabi to enhance economic cooperation.

Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, received Koike and the delegation and said that the “visit represents a milestone in UAE-Japan relations and opens up new horizons for future cooperation in sustainability and environmental protection.”

During her visit, she learned about the UAE’s efforts to preserve the rich cultural heritage of falconry and protect wildlife.

She also spoke to 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.

Koike expressed her admiration for the UAE’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage and active participation in global environmental preservation efforts.

The Tokyo governor 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.

According to WAM, Abdulla Saeed Al Shamsi, Corporate Director of Jubail Island Investment Company, accompanied Koike on an exploratory tour, 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.

She also planted a mangrove tree in the park to express her commitment to supporting joint environmental initiatives.

She was also briefed on the Abu Dhabi Pearl Project and learned how local oysters are farmed sustainably in the Arabian Gulf, producing high-quality pearls.