23 Emirati Students Successfully Complete JICE Summer Internship Program

From Classroom to Global Stage: Emirati Students Flourish in JICE Summer Internship Program at Leading Japanese Companies.

Dubai, UAE, 23 August 2024

The Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) Abu Dhabi Office is pleased to announce the successful completion of its summer internship program. This year, 23 Emirati students had the opportunity to intern at 10 prestigious Japanese companies, enhancing their expertise in various disciplines.

The unique 8-week program provided valuable work experience and cultural immersion, allowing interns to engage with Japan’s advanced technology sectors and corporate environments. The initiative, sponsored by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, is part of a broader effort to foster a skilled Emirati workforce capable of thriving in a global setting.

Since its inception in 2012, the program has expanded significantly, with this year’s cohort including 13 talented female students from top institutions such as Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU) and Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). Internships were offered in diverse formats—fully in Japan, fully in the UAE, or a combination of both, enhancing flexibility and exposure for the students.

 Notable Host Companies:

• AWL, Inc.
• EBARA CORPORATION
• JFE Steel Corporation / Al Gharbia Pipe Company LLC
• Japan Oil Development Co.,Ltd.
• KIDS HOLDINGS CO. LTD
• Komatsu Middle East FZE
• Mikawa Genki Monogatari Co., Ltd.
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
• WOTA Corp.
• Yokogawa UAE Industry – Sole Proprietorship L.L.C.

The internship began with introductory courses at JICE headquarters, covering essential skills such as Japanese language proficiency, business manners, and etiquette. The program culminated in a final presentation session on August 14th at the Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Abu Dhabi, where students showcased their research and experiences. The event, was attended by representatives from ADNOC, the Embassy of Japan, and the host organizations, celebrated the students’ achievements and their potential contributions to the UAE’s strategic sectors.

Feedback from the Japanese host companies highlighted the Emirati students’ preparedness, eagerness to learn, and commitment, reflecting positively on the program’s quality and impact.

 Mr. Ahmed Saleh Ahmed Mohamed Basahel, a senior mechanical engineering student from KU, also shared his transformative experience at EBARA CORPORATION, where he was honored as their first international intern. “The internship was an extraordinary journey that provided deep insights into both the technical and cultural aspects of a leading Japanese company,” he stated.

Mr. Tokuya Kanamori, Managing Director of JICE Abu Dhabi Office, commended the program’s success, stating, “We are proud to see the UAE’s brightest students enhance their technical and intercultural skills through this program. We anticipate that their new knowledge will contribute significantly to the UAE’s development and look forward to continuing our efforts to strengthen ties between our nations.”

For more information about the activities and programs coordinated by JICE, 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.