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Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka among top global attractions
TDT | Tokyo Four months after opening at Expo 2025 Osaka, the Bahrain Pavilion, themed 'Connecting Seas', continues to showcase the Kingdom's cultural and civilisational heritage in Japan, blending tradition with innovation and welcoming visitors from around the world. Recognised by global architectural platform ArchDaily as one of the top ten must visit pavilions, it offers an immersive journey combining sensory exhibits, architecture inspired by Bahrain's maritime history and Japanese woodworking, a café blending Bahraini and Japanese flavours, an economic showcase of the Kingdom's future, and a heritage themed gift shop. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and Commissioner General of the pavilion, said the participation reflects Bahrain's vision to enhance its cultural and economic presence globally. He noted preparations are under way for Bahrain's National Day at the expo in September to highlight the Kingdom's maritime heritage, artistic creativity, and cultural and economic resilience. Located in the 'Empowering Lives' zone, the 995-square-metre pavilion stands four storeys high with sea views. Designed by Lina Ghotmeh, it is built mainly from wood and cooled naturally by sea breezes, making it one of the most sustainable structures at the expo. The multi sensory exhibition, curated with artists and institutions including Shepherd Studio, Sissel Tolaas, Hassan Hujairi, and La Méduse, explores themes of trade, crafts, industry, pearls, and the environment. The café, led by award winning Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi, serves seasonal menus fusing Bahraini and Japanese ingredients. Staff and volunteers wear designs by Lulwa Al Amin, featuring coastal inspired prints and embroidery. Expo 2025 Osaka runs until October 13. Bahrain's National Day at the pavilion will be celebrated on September 18.
Arab News
13-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Bahrain, Japan charting shared horizons at Expo 2025
The eyes of the world last month turned to the city of Osaka as Japan inaugurated Expo 2025 under the timely and fitting theme 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives.' This theme, along with its sub-themes 'Saving Lives,' 'Empowering Lives' and 'Connecting Lives,' reflects a global desire for inclusive innovation, human dignity and a sustainable future for future generations. It is in this spirit that Bahrain proudly joined the global community in presenting its fourth national pavilion at a World Expo. Our participation, organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, is not only a showcase of cultural pride and sustainable design, it is a reflection of our enduring friendship with Japan and our shared aspirations for the future. The Bahrain Pavilion, titled 'Connecting Seas,' pays homage to the kingdom's rich maritime legacy, which stretches from the ancient Dilmun civilization to the thriving nation we are today. Designed by renowned architect Lina Ghotmeh and located in the Expo's 'Empowering Lives' district, the pavilion draws on both Bahraini and Japanese craftsmanship, combining sustainability with symbolism in a structure made from more than 3,000 pieces of unengineered wood. This fusion of cultures — Bahraini artistry and Japanese woodworking — beautifully embodies the strong, deep and multifaceted connection we aim to highlight. Our seas have always been a source of connection: routes of trade, dialogue and discovery. Today, Bahrain continues this legacy as a gateway between East and West, offering an open, resilient and innovation-driven economy. The pavilion's upper floor, curated by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, invites visitors to explore Bahrain's strategic advantages, investment climate and vision for sustainable development. Bahrain and Japan are two island nations deeply connected to the world through the sea Ahmed Mohamed Aldoseri Cultural exchange lies at the heart of our participation. From the culinary artistry of chef Tala Bashmi, who brings Bahraini flavors to life with Japanese sensibility, to the multisensory exhibition designed to engage sight, sound, scent and touch, the pavilion offers an immersive experience that reflects Bahrain's dynamic identity — deeply rooted, yet boldly forward-looking. As Bahrain's ambassador to Japan, I see Expo 2025 as more than a world fair, it is a testament to the enduring ties between our two nations. Bahrain and Japan have long shared a relationship grounded in mutual respect, cultural affinity and economic cooperation. Bahrain and Japan are two island nations deeply connected to the world through the sea. For centuries, our peoples have looked outward, not only to trade and explore but also to build bridges of understanding, cooperation and friendship across continents and cultures. In many ways, the theme of Expo 2025 Osaka speaks to that same spirit of connection, resilience and innovation that has long defined our bilateral relationship. Our ties stretch back even before the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972. In 1934, Japan became the first international recipient of a crude oil shipment from Bahrain, marking not only the kingdom's emergence as the Gulf's first oil producer, but also Japan's distinction as the first country in the world to receive crude oil exports from the Gulf region. This historic exchange symbolized the beginning of a relationship grounded in mutual benefit and shared economic vision. In 2023, bilateral non-oil trade between Bahrain and Japan reached an impressive $820 million, underscoring the growing strength of our economic ties. Bahrain and Japan trade key commodities, from industrial materials to high-end consumer goods. Re-exports from Bahrain to Japan also played an important role in our trade relations, with parts for turbines and jewelry among the top products. A robust framework of bilateral agreements continues to anchor this relationship. Landmark memorandums of understanding have been signed in the fields of agriculture, sanitation, oil and gas exploration, education and cultural exchange. Recent milestones include the 2023 entry into force of a visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and special passport holders and active collaboration in cancer research, academic exchanges and archaeological preservation. Expo 2025 offers a timely opportunity to reaffirm these bonds and to explore new areas of synergy Ahmed Mohamed Aldoseri Bahrain also remains a strong supporter of Japanese investment in the region, with many partners, agencies and branches of Japanese companies operating in Bahrain and with investments surpassing $400 million. Japanese companies continue to play an important role in Bahrain's economic diversification and industrial advancement. Likewise, Bahrain has engaged in collaborative platforms such as the Japan-Bahrain political dialogue and defense exchanges, highlighting the strategic trust between our nations. Together, these efforts form a dynamic and evolving relationship, one that is not only grounded in history but also oriented toward a future of innovation, peace and sustainable growth. Expo 2025 offers a timely opportunity to reaffirm these bonds and to explore new areas of synergy that serve both our peoples and the global community. As Bahrain proudly opens its pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, we do so not only as a participant, but as a partner and friend to Japan. Our histories and aspirations are intertwined and together we will continue to chart a course toward a more connected, sustainable and innovative world. As Japan welcomes the world to the Kansai region, Bahrain invites the world to discover our story — a story of resilience, innovation and connectivity. And we are confident that the seeds of dialogue sown here will blossom into new partnerships and ideas that benefit not only our nations but humanity at large. So, I warmly welcome all visitors to Expo 2025 Osaka to experience the Bahrain Pavilion — a space where heritage meets innovation and where the spirit of the sea continues to guide us toward a shared future.
Daily Tribune
12-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain to inaugurate ‘Connecting Seas' pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
Bahrain will tomorrow open its national pavilion, 'Connecting Seas,' at Expo 2025 Osaka, marking its fourth participation in a World Expo. The event, held in Japan's Kansai region, runs until October 13, 2025, under the theme 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives' and includes subthemes 'Saving Lives,' 'Empowering Lives,' and 'Connecting Lives.' Organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) in partnership with the Economic Development Board, the pavilion is located in the 'Empowering Lives' zone. Designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, the four-level, 995sqm structure reflects Bahrain's maritime heritage and Japanese craftsmanship, and is among the Expo's most sustainable pavilions. Visitors will experience five immersive zones created in collaboration with Shepherd Studio and artist-composer Hassan Hujairi. A dedicated floor, led by the Economic Development Board, highlights Bahrain's strategic location and investment appeal. The pavilion also features a café by Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi, fusing local and Japanese flavours, and a gift shop offering contemporary products inspired by Bahraini heritage. Staff uniforms, designed by Lulwa Al Amin, showcase Bahraini culture and creativity.
Gulf Insider
12-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain To Inaugurate National Pavilion 'Connecting Seas' At Expo 2025 Osaka
On Sunday, April 13, the Kingdom of Bahrain will inaugurate its national pavilion, 'Connecting Seas', at Expo 2025 Osaka. This marks the Kingdom's fourth national participation in the World Expo. Held in the Kansai region of Japan, this year's edition runs until October 13, 2025, under the overarching theme 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives', featuring three sub-themes: 'Saving Lives', 'Empowering Lives', and 'Connecting Lives'. Bahrain's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka is organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), in partnership with the Economic Development Board. Situated in the 'Empowering Lives' zone, the pavilion spans 995 square meters and rises to a height of 13.7 meters across four levels, overlooking tue seafront. Designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh and her Paris-based practice Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture, the structure will be one of the most sustainable pavilions in the Expo. It reflects Bahrain's deep-rooted historical connection to the sea and is inspired by the Kingdom's maritime heritage and Japanese woodworking traditions. Inside, the pavilion offers an immersive sensory experience through five dedicated zones. The experience is brought to life through collaborations with a range of creative talents, including Bahraini design company Shepherd Studio and Bahraini artist and composer Hassan Hujairi. A dedicated floor focuses on Bahrain's future, supervised by the Economic Development Board, showcasing the Kingdom's strategic location and its position as an open, global economic hub attractive to investors. The pavilion also includes a café curated by Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi, offering a menu that blends authentic Bahraini flavors with modern Japanese culinary techniques. Complementing the experience is a gift shop featuring contemporary products inspired by local heritage. Pavilion staff and volunteers will wear uniforms designed by Bahraini fashion designer Lulwa Al Amin, reflecting the nation's cultural identity and passion for innovation. The pavilion represents a broad national collaboration, including Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY), Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (DANAT), Bapco Energies, BFG International, Depaj, GFH Financial Group, Midal Cables, and Racing Force Group, with silver sponsorship from Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and Bahrain's sovereign wealth fund; Mumtalakat. Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to attract over 28 million visitors from around the world, with participation from approximately 150 countries. Each country will also have the opportunity to celebrate its National Day during the Expo, sharing its cultural values and vision with the world. Source Bahrain News Agency
Daily Tribune
03-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's pavilion set to debut at Expo 2025 Osaka
The Kingdom of Bahrain will inaugurate its fourth national participation in the World Expo at Expo 2025 Osaka in less than a month. Construction is ongoing for the Kingdom's pavilion, themed 'Connecting Seas', which, upon completion, will stand as one of the most sustainable pavilions in the Expo. The pavilion seamlessly blends modernity with heritage, narrating Bahrain's enduring connection with the sea from the Dilmun civilisation to the present day. Theme Expo 2025 Osaka will take place in the Kansai region of Japan from April 13 to October 13, under the theme 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives'. It features three sub-themes: 'Saving Lives', 'Empowering Lives', and 'Connecting Lives.' Organisers expect over 28 million visitors to explore contributions from around 150 countries. The Expo will feature various events, providing opportunities for people to connect and exchange knowledge for the betterment of humanity. National day Each pavilion will have the opportunity to designate a national day during the Expo to celebrate its culture and values. Located in the Empowering Lives district, the Kingdom of Bahrain's Pavilion, is organised by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), and designed by the Paris based Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh with her practice Lina Ghotmeh; Architecture spans 995 square metres with a total height of 13.7 metres across four levels, offering a scenic view of the sea. His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of BACA, emphasised that participating in the Expo for the fourth consecutive time provides Bahrain with a vital global stage to showcase our nation's cultural achievements and solidify the Kingdom's position as a leading hub of innovation, culture, and a dynamic, advanced economy. Vision He added that the vision seeks to highlight Bahrain's rich heritage, long history, current achievements, and future goals. By showcasing the Kingdom's maritime legacy, which is central to its civilisation, the aim is to show that while Bahrain is deeply rooted in strong values and culture, it also embraces innovation and sustainability to build a better future.
