UAE's architectural vision displayed at Osaka Expo
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has wrapped up the 'Pillars of Arish: Architecture in Transition' symposium, held at Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai, in Japan.
Organised in partnership with the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 and supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant Programme, an initiative under Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy, the event is part of the Authority's broader mission to strengthen the cultural and creative sector, and enhance the country's global appeal.
Aligned with the UAE Pavilion's theme, 'From Earth to Ether,' which sets out the UAE's vision for humanity's future, the first-of-its-kind curated symposium explored architecture in the UAE, focusing on local design practices, material innovation, and regional exchange between the UAE, Japan and other nations.
Discussions also addressed the significance of traditional knowledge in shaping the urban landscape, with particular emphasis on Arish structures and context-sensitive solutions.
In her opening remarks, Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, described the UAE Pavilion as a powerful reflection of the country's ambition and enduring commitment to heritage as a driver of innovation. She noted how this spirit comes to life through the pavilion's layout, which integrates local practices, such as using arish (palm fronds), into a contemporary setting. She said: 'By organising the symposium at Expo 2025, our goal was to highlight Emirati cultural identity and demonstrate Dubai's vibrant and supportive ecosystem for the cultural and creative industries and emerging entrepreneurs. The event also elevated local talent globally by spotlighting their ideas and ambitious visions that advance the design and architecture sector forward.'
Badri added: 'At Dubai Culture, we spare no efforts to build bridges with other communities, expanding opportunities for global cultural exchange and supporting artists, designers, and business owners with resources to live, work, create and thrive. We are proud to have organised the symposium in Japan, a country whose creative legacy has shaped international practice and exemplifies sustainability, resilience, and cultural depth.'
Khulood Khoory, Director of the Projects and Events Department at Dubai Culture, underscored the objectives of the Dubai Cultural Grant Programme and its impact in nurturing the arts ecosystem. She noted that more than Dhs180 million in grants will be provided over a 10-year period, supporting disciplines ranging from visual and fine arts to museology.
The symposium was curated by Salem AlSuwaidi, Founder of SWALIF Collective and Co-founder of MamarLab, and Rashed AlMulla, Founder of MABNAI and Co-founder of MamarLab.
It featured ten talks and panels, spanning heritage, sustainability, and design. Notable sessions included 'Cultural Convergence: The Impact of Japanese Architecture on Gulf Regional Identity,' exploring ARCHIDENTITY's research on the evolution of Japanese modernism from the 1940s to the 1970s and its influence on Middle Eastern aesthetics. 'Connecting Threads: Modern Heritage's Connection to the Vernacular and Contemporary,' examined how modern buildings in the UAE draw inspiration from vernacular traditions.
The session, 'Shaping a Practice: Challenges & Opportunities in Architectural Enterprises,' shed light on the UAE's dynamic landscape and the strategies deployed by architects to establish and sustain resilient design studios amidst market pressures, evolving urban agendas, and increasing client expectations. 'Harnessing a Site: How to Navigate through Constructing in a Site-sensitive Context' offered insights into how architectural practice can be enriched by grounding aesthetics in contextual analysis, material discipline, and cultural and environmental narratives. Meanwhile, 'UAE Design Education: Pedagogies in Design Learning' explored how initiatives, such as LIMASS, led by Lina Ahmad and Marco Sosa at Zayed University, are reshaping sustainability using traditional systems and locally sourced resources.
The symposium also included the session 'East-To-East: Japanese Architecture in Emirati Contexts,' which positioned architecture as a medium for cultural synergy, bringing together the works of Takehashi Muruyama with those of Emirati architects Ahmed Bukhash and Ahmed Al Ali to reflect on how Japanese principles influence projects in the UAE.
'From Arish to Villas' traced the transformation of housing in the UAE, from palm-frond arish homes to modern villas, illustrating how shifts in cultural values, materials used, and environmental adaptation have changed the way people build.
The session 'Falaj: Of Water Comes Life' highlighted the ingenious design and community-based management of the aflaj irrigation systems, positioning them as environmentally friendly solutions that have supported agriculture and settlement across the region for centuries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Arabian Post
The World Debt Situation Has Become More Unstable, Octa Broker warns
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 May 2025 – Traders and investors alike are unnerved by the recent turbulence in the bond markets. After Moody's—a major rating agency—downgraded U.S. government debt on 16 May, and Japanese long-term bond yields soared to multi-decade highs, some market participants started to fear that the world may be on the verge of a major debt crisis. Meanwhile, the yield on 20-year UK government bonds neared 5.5%, a level not seen in 27 years, as investors grew more worried about the extent of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' borrowing plans. Octa Brokers looks at the potential implications of these developments for global markets. Ticking Fiscal Bomb The U.S. mounting national debt has long been the subject of intense debate and concern among economists, policymakers, and the public. Apocalyptic predictions of a U.S. default and dollar collapse are nothing new. They first appeared decades ago and have been surfacing here and there regularly, attracting plenty of followers. However, these predictions have never materialised, while the doomsayers have been dismissed as amateur conspiracy theorists at best and irresponsible alarmists at worst. Still, while we are not inclined to take a grand stance on this issue, we cannot afford to ignore the latest market developments regarding the U.S. debt. Often called a 'ticking fiscal bomb', it has recently started raising fears about the nation's long-term economic stability and potential impact on global markets. 'On current trends, U.S. national debt is projected to reach $37 trillion in two weeks and may reach $40 trillion by the end of the year. This trend cannot continue forever. The Fed's [Federal Reserve] printing press may have no limit, but market patience does have its limit', says Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker. ADVERTISEMENT Indeed, the market's perception of risk regarding U.S. government debt has clearly risen. This is evident in the noticeable increase in the cost of insuring exposure to U.S. government debt over the past month. The spreads on U.S. credit default swaps (CDS)—a key measure of default risk—have reached their widest levels since the 2023 debt ceiling crisis in recent weeks (see chart below). Market stress intensified even more following Moody's downgrade and the passage of the U.S. President Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' in the House of Representatives. The bill features $3.8 trillion in tax cuts and is widely expected to worsen the federal budget deficit outlook. As a result, investors started to demand higher returns for holding long-term U.S. government bonds, pushing the yields on 20-year notes above the important 5% level on 21 May. 5-Year Credit Default Swaps Source: LSEG Kar Yong Ang comments: 'Policy uncertainty is all over the place. Tariffs, tax bill, debt ceiling. No wonder investors charge a premium for holding the debt of a country, which is not in a 'triple-A club' anymore. Investors want higher yield in order to provide long-term lending in the current uncertain climate'. Indeed, the U.S. government actually hit its legal borrowing limit back in January and has been using special procedures to avoid exceeding it and potentially defaulting. However, these measures are expected to run out around late August or early September, at which point the government might be unable to meet all its financial commitments. ADVERTISEMENT Yields of government bonds with the longest maturities have been rising sharply not just in the United States but also in Japan and the United Kingdom (UK) (see chart below). On 20 May, Japan's 20-year government bond (JGB) auction had its worst results since 2012. The demand was weak, with the bid-to-cover ratio dropping to 2.50, while the lowest accepted price was just ¥98.15, some 2% below the expected price. Yields on 20-Year Government Bonds Source: LSEG 'Japan's auction signals poor liquidity and weak interest in new long-term securities as investors are concerned about excessive profligacy. It seems to me that the BoJ wants to stop buying bonds at the worst possible moment. Who is going to replace it?', rhetorically asks Kar Yong Ang, referring to BoJ plans to taper its massive bond purchase programme. Indeed, although yields on long-term JGBs have been rising since the COVID pandemic, the trend accelerated after the Bank of Japan (BoJ) moved toward monetary policy normalisation amid rising wage growth and inflation. Policy normalisation implied higher short-term rates and fewer bond purchases. Thus far, BoJ has ended its yield curve control (YCC), raised its benchmark interest rate from -0.1% to 0.5% and even embarked on quantitative tightening (QT). These factors contributed to the consistent increase in Japanese government bond yields. Today, however, the situation is complicated by additional fiscal stimulus, which could result in more government borrowing just as the BoJ prepares to slowly exit the debt markets. The Cabinet already approved a massive ¥21.9 trillion ($142 billion) economic stimulus package back in November 2024. Most recently, it approved an emergency plan to allocate ¥388 billion ($2.7 billion) from reserve funds to assist businesses and households affected by U.S. tariffs. 'Investors are sending a very clear message: if we are the only ones left to finance these spending plans, then we demand higher returns', concludes Kar Yong Ang. The recent movements in the U.S., Japanese, and UK government bond markets paint a concerning picture of increasing investor unease regarding sovereign debt. From the rising cost of insuring U.S. debt and the poor reception of Japan's long-term bond auction to the near 27-year high in the UK gilt yields, a common thread of heightened risk perception is evident. As Kar Yong Ang of Octa Broker points out, factors like policy uncertainty, fiscal profligacy, and the prospect of central banks reducing their bond purchases are prompting investors to demand greater compensation for lending to governments. 'The problem is not just that governments have an enormous mountain of debt. The real problem is that the market is intricately interconnected. A small trouble in one place can morph into a major crisis elsewhere. What if higher JGB yields lure Japanese capital back home? If they decide to increase their JGB holdings, they may have to sell the U.S. Treasuries and that could be catastrophic given that Japan is a major holder of U.S. debt', says Kar Yong Ang. Investors should watch the upcoming BoJ meeting scheduled for 17 June. The BoJ will issue its regular policy rate decision and will likely announce its balance sheet reduction plan. According to MacroMicro, markets currently expect a gradual pace—around 6–7% reduction over two years. However, if the BoJ opts to speed up the process, it could put pressure on global markets ___ Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to engage in any investment activity. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs. Any action you take based on this content is at your sole discretion and risk. Octa and its affiliates accept no liability for any losses or consequences resulting from reliance on this material. Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Availability of products and services may vary by jurisdiction. Please ensure compliance with your local laws before accessing them. Hashtag: #Octa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Octa Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools. The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities. In Southeast Asia, Octa received the 'Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024' and the 'Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023' awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Al Etihad
UAE Pavilion welcomes one millionth visitor at Expo 2025 Osaka
30 May 2025 17:50 OSAKA (WAM) The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai celebrated a major milestone on Friday as it welcomed its one millionth visitor, marking a significant achievement in the pavilion's journey since the Expo officially opened on April festivities were held at the pavilion to commemorate this symbolic moment, reflecting the growing interest and continued influx of visitors from around the Ahmed Al Faheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, welcomed the one millionth visitor in person and presented her with a special commemorative certificate, honouring the symbolic importance of the Faheem expressed his joy at reaching this number of visitors, underscoring the pivotal role of the UAE Pavilion as a vibrant hub for cultural dialogue and innovation.'Every individual who visits our pavilion becomes part of the story we are telling, a story that embodies the values of the UAE, reflects the spirit of its people, and captures our aspirations for a brighter future,' he its opening, the UAE Pavilion has attracted steady and diverse global attendance, drawn by its engaging narrative and distinctive architectural the theme "Earth to Ether", the pavilion offers a multi-sensory journey that narrates the UAE's story, celebrating its rich heritage, human-centred values, and innovative vision for the future. It aims to inspire collective progress toward a thriving future on Earth and beyond. As Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai continues through to 13th October, 2025, the UAE Pavilion remains actively engaged in welcoming more visitors in the months ahead, solidifying its role as an inspiring platform for cultural exchange and forward-looking dialogue.
Emirates 24/7
2 days ago
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai wins bid to host the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art
Latifa bint Mohammed: Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future 'Hosting ISEA 2026 speaks to the dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology' Each year, ISEA brings together a global community of artists, designers, technologists, academics, curators, and museum professionals to shape the future of digital art Dubai has won the bid to host and organise the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA), a landmark achievement that reinforces the emirate's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. The announcement was made at the conclusion of this year's symposium, held in Seoul, South Korea, and reflects the concerted efforts of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in collaboration with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and Zayed University, to champion the emirate's bid by showcasing its vibrant cultural landscape, world-class infrastructure, and supportive environment for creative innovation. Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, affirmed that the emirate's selection as host of ISEA 2026 is a testament to its growing influence on the global art stage and steadfast commitment to shaping the future of culture through innovation. 'Dubai's cultural journey is one defined by bold ambition and an enduring belief in the power of creativity to shape our future; hosting ISEA 2026 speaks to the depth and dynamism of our creative ecosystem and our continued drive to lead global conversations around the intersections of art, science, and technology. This achievement reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, whose unwavering belief in innovation and human potential has transformed Dubai into a thriving cultural capital and a beacon for talent, excellence, and possibility,' she said. Her Highness noted that the symposium reinforces Dubai's strategic direction in advancing its digital arts sector and creative economy. 'ISEA is a global platform that empowers artists and technologists to imagine new frontiers. It aligns with our digital arts strategy — opening doors for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and nurturing future-ready creatives — while connecting global minds, amplifying diverse voices, and inspiring new creative expressions rooted in digital innovation. We look forward to welcoming the world to Dubai and sharing a space where imagination meets invention and the future of art is designed collectively,' she said. Established in 1988 in the Netherlands and currently overseen by the University for the Creative Arts in the UK, the International Symposium on Electronic Art is one of the world's foremost gatherings at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Hosted in over 30 major cities, including Paris, Montreal, and Barcelona, ISEA annually brings together a global community of artists, designers, technologists, academics, curators, and museum professionals to shape the future of digital art. The event aligns closely with Dubai Culture's digital arts strategy, which aims to empower talent, strengthen digital infrastructure, and elevate education and training in this rapidly evolving field. Zayed University to partner in organising event The symposium, organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with Zayed University, will be held from 10 to 17 April 2026 under the theme 'ELYAH: Constellating Place, Data and Identity.' It will feature a series of workshops, discussion panels, networking events, and creative showcases across Dubai's key cultural sites and landmarks. The event is expected to attract between 200 and 500 international participants and a wide audience interested in digital arts. Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, affirmed that Dubai's inspirational spirit and agile ecosystem continue to attract exceptional talent, forward-thinking investors, and creative entrepreneurs, offering them world-class infrastructure and unique incentives that mirror the richness of the city's cultural landscape. She said: 'Dubai's win to host ISEA 2026 reflects the vision of our leadership to position the city as a global hub for talent and a frontrunner in the creative economy; this milestone underscores our commitment to advancing the digital arts sector, empowering emerging talent, and inspiring them to connect, collaborate, and create. 'Hosting this prestigious international symposium will open new pathways for our creative community to engage with global counterparts while also enhancing cultural tourism and showcasing the landmarks, spaces, and heritage that define Dubai's creative identity. ISEA will invigorate the city's artistic momentum, foster meaningful knowledge exchange, and spark new conversations around how digital arts shape our understanding of place, identity, and community.' The event will provide artists, researchers, and digital arts specialists with a platform to exchange ideas and visions, craft a global agenda that introduces new artistic expression methods, ignite innovation, and encourage participants to showcase their creativity to the public, supporting technological sustainability and the cultural and creative industries in Dubai. Main themes Discussions during the symposium will focus on four main themes: Charting Constellations, which explores concepts of place and identity in the digital age and how we reshape our understanding of geography, identity, and community in a multidimensional world; Celestial Dialogues, which delves into how artistic and technological practices can foster intercultural dialogue and shared cross-cultural experiences; Eco-Tech Futures, examining the role of electronic art in addressing environmental issues and how digital tools can inspire sustainable futures; and Starlinked Worlds, which investigates the evolving relationship between technology and human experience and the ethical, philosophical, and speculative implications of future technologies. Professor Michael Allen, Acting Vice President of Zayed University, said: 'We're immensely proud to partner with Dubai Culture in hosting the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art, a landmark event that underscores Dubai's position as a global hub for creativity and innovation. We are committed to fostering a dynamic platform where global artists, innovators, and scholars can converge to explore the transformative potential of digital arts. This symposium aligns with our mission to empower the next generation of creative leaders, advance interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to shaping a future where art and technology inspire sustainable progress and cultural dialogue.' The theme of the symposium is inspired by 'ELYAH,' one of the most prominent stars in the Arab region's sky, also known as the 'North Star,' which for centuries served as a beacon for travellers and storytellers alike, guiding navigation across land and sea. It was chosen to represent the event to explore the convergence of digital and electronic arts with AI and present a future-facing vision for the digital arts sector. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
