INPEX celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Japan Oil Development Co., Ltd. (JODCO) on February 22, 2023. Through this subsidiary, we have been engaging in oil development projects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi within the United Arab Emirates (UAE). JODCO has focused on building a long-term multilayered relationship between Japan and Abu Dhabi, including through a range of social contribution activities across the three priority areas of education, the environment, and culture.
Social Contribution Activities to date
environment
Preparing mangrove seedling pots for transplanting at Zirku Island in November 1999
Mangrove Planting
Between 1999 and 2008, INPEX collaborated with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) to implement a mangrove forestation project with the cooperation of Japanese experts.
We received the ADNOC HSE Award for our efforts in 2000.
Preparing mangrove seedling pots for transplanting at Zirku Island in November 1999
Inserting pearl nuclei into Akoya oysters
Pearl Culturing
In 2006, the EAD asked INPEX to support the revival of local pearl farming, a practice that previously supported the economy in Abu Dhabi. Since this time, we have supported the transfer of Japan’s pearl culturing technology with the help of Japanese experts.
Inserting pearl nuclei into Akoya oysters
Culture
A tea ceremony experience held at Emirates Palace
Chado, Japanese Tea Ceremony
We have worked with the Urasenke school of tea ceremony to jointly host Japanese tea ceremonies in Abu Dhabi. We have been striving to increase exchanges with local communities by introducing such traditional values and customs from Japan.
A tea ceremony experience held at Emirates Palace
HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State, meeting a Japanese falconer at the 2019 ADIHEX JODCO booth
Japanese Falconry and Sword-making
We have been participating in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) since 2004. Over the years, we introduced a number of Japanese traditional cultural activities, including falconry and sword-making.
HE Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State, meeting a Japanese falconer at the 2019 ADIHEX JODCO booth
Future Social Contribution Projects
Establishment of the INPEX JODCO Foundation
On the occasion of JODCO’s 50th anniversary in 2023, we have established the INPEX JODCO Foundation with an endowment of three billion yen. The foundation paves the way for INPEX to help strengthen relations and promote mutual understanding and friendship between the UAE and Japan. This will be achieved through the empowerment of the Emirati society and implementation of activities advocating exchange between the UAE and Japan. As the first step of this initiative, the foundation has reached a memorandum of understanding on the UAE–Japan Falconer Friendship Program with the Emirates Falconers’ Club of the UAE.
In addition to promoting cultural exchanges between Emirati and Japanese falconers, the foundation will study opportunities to conduct a variety of activities. These include initiatives focusing on mangrove-themed environmental education, Emirati youth development, wildlife conservation, and introducing Japanese culture such as the traditional tea ceremony and manga and anime to UAE audiences.
Sponsorship of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
As part of efforts to contribute to the enrichment of the UAE’s cultural landscape, JODCO has reached a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) to provide a one-billion-yen sponsorship of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. This experiential art space is being developed by DCT Abu Dhabi in partnership with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, and Tokyo-based international art collective, teamLab. Construction is under way in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District and scheduled to be completed in 2024.
Once opened, we intend to invite Emirati youth to experience teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi to contribute to the development of their curiosity and imagination.