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The National
18-04-2025
- The National
Emirati women bring UAE pavilion to life to tell nation's story at Osaka Expo
Inside a tall glass-encased structure at the Expo Osaka 2025, Japanese families breathe in the fragrance from a hand-carved earthen incense burner inside the UAE pavilion, watched closely by the close-knit team who have brought it all to life. Young couples touch date palm reeds that stretch high above them in an oasis recreated with more than two million palm fronds, as children sit on rugs spread across the pavilion to watch as their parents brush their fingers across bold black and white threads woven on a traditional wooden loom. The team behind it is a group led by women that has worked closely with hundreds of UAE and Japanese craftspeople, woodcarvers, architects, designers and suppliers. They tell the nation's story using artefacts from iron and silver khanjars (daggers) to touchscreens that detail the UAE's progress in space exploration, sustainability and solar energy. With the title Earth to Ether, the pavilion tells of a nation proud of its heritage, whose people have sky-high ambitions. Mariam Al Memari, the head of the UAE Expo Office, speaks of the collective effort to build the pavilion using agricultural waste, discarded date palm trees and leaves in Japan. It took meticulous planning to source date palm waste from farmers in the Middle East and North Africa region, she told The National. 'What is really interesting about this participation is the UAE approach in bringing together different collaborations with partners and suppliers from Japan, the world and the UAE from design, to content to setting up the supply chains for us to actually to deliver this pavilion,' Ms Al Memari said. This is the second time the World Expo has come to Osaka. The first time the city hosted it, in 1970, 64 million people visited, making it the most-visited world's fair of the 20th century. Abu Dhabi made its debut at that fair, with a pavilion inspired by a fort in Al Ain. 'This Expo is really special for us as we started our Expo journey through Abu Dhabi's participation in 1970, and now we're back as the UAE more than 55 years later,' Ms Al Memari said. 'Now we are showcasing our leading efforts in various fields such as space exploration, health care and sustainable technology.' The massive glass walls work as an invitation, with visitors glancing into the clear structure and then walking in to explore further. 'It really feels like the UAE is saying 'welcome, you can come here and shelter'. And on days when it's been raining, a lot of people use the pavilion as a place to rest,' said Shaikha Al Ketbi, the UAE pavilion's creative director. 'We know it's physically challenging to see so many exhibitions at once and it's almost a relief when you find a place to sit. We considered that in our design to make people feel relaxed and welcome.' Handwork by artisans from both countries created the entrance pergola that uses Japanese cedar topped with a canopy of khoos, an Emirati craft of weaving dried date palms. A traditional Emirati architectural technique called areesh is fused with detailed Japanese woodwork to mould the date palm reeds into 90 columns that soar 16 metres high. 'The entire design concept is rooted in the idea of areesh but we wanted to reinterpret what areesh can look like in the future,' Ms Al Ketbi said. 'It was part of our past but how will it look in our future and how can we continue to incorporate it in buildings?' A room at the back of the pavilion has people queuing up for short workshops on sadu, khoos and talli, traditional braiding, weaving and decorative embroidery demonstrated by Emirati craftswomen. Visitors gather on chairs around a table, choose from pink, blue or gold threads, follow the steps shown by the Emirati women and listen to instructions in Japanese and English from guides. They leave with small souvenirs – keychains, bookmarks or miniature spindle replicas. Several events and workshops have been planned throughout the six-month Expo. Shamma Al Bastaki, the narrative lead, said the response from visitors was overwhelming. 'It has been so rewarding and overwhelming, in a good way, to see how people have been interacting with the exhibits,' said Ms Al Bastaki, an Emirati poet who oversees content development and strategic storytelling. 'It was always designed to be multisensory and tangible, but we didn't really expect the extent to which people would interact with each exhibit, from the scent of the oudh, to the scent of the palm on the columns.' She read a poem, From the Earthly to the Ethereal, at the pavilion opening last week. 'We want visitors to learn about the cutting edge work the UAE is doing through the content,' she said. 'The palm tree inspired the design if you see how the palm tree is rooted to the earth but reaches for the ether, for the cosmos and the stars. This reflects the UAE's journey, how it's always connected to its heritage but with sky-high ambitions when we highlight sustainability and space exploration.'
Gulf Today
09-04-2025
- Gulf Today
UAE unveils details of its national pavilion at Expo 2025
The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday unveiled the full vision for its national pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, taking place in Japan from April 13 — October 13, 2025. This was announced during a media briefing organised on Wednesday by the National Media Office. Located within the Empowering Lives Zone, the UAE Pavilion presents a bold vision of collective progress through its theme, Earth to Ether. This theme reflects the country's ongoing journey from its deeply rooted cultural heritage to a future driven by innovation, imagination, and exploration – bridging the physical and intangible frontiers. Reflecting on the UAE's ambition to empower all life from Earth to Ether, the Pavilion delivers a clear and compelling message. The nation is driving collective progress for humanity and the planet by advancing space exploration, reimagining healthcare and pioneering sustainable technologies. More than an architectural landmark or national exhibit, the pavilion is an invitation to collaborate. It invites the world to engage with the UAE's ideas, values and ambitions, and to explore how a country rooted in heritage is helping shape a flourishing future for all life on the planet and beyond. On this occasion, Noura Bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, and Commissioner of Expo Office - UAE said: 'The UAE's participation in World Expos has consistently reflected a commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and the pursuit of collective progress.' She emphasised that the UAE Expo Office views each Expo not merely as a moment in time, but as a dynamic platform to showcase the nation's core values on the global stage, strengthen partnerships, advance sustainability, and foster deeper cultural understanding. Al Kaabi added that returning to Japan 55 years after the UAE's first participation in the Expo represents a continuation of the country's legacy of meaningful presence, reflecting its commitment to building a more inclusive and interconnected global future. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the minister affirmed that the UAE's participation in 'Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai' will centre around youth, highlighting the involvement of 24 talented Emirati youth ambassadors alongside 20 Japanese youth who are fluent in around seven languages. She explained that this distinction will play a major and effective role in ensuring the UAE's message is impactful. She expressed her eagerness to share with visitors to the UAE Pavilion in Osaka a wealth of inspiring stories about the nation's dreamers and achievers, stressing that young people have accomplished many innovations across various fields, which opens opportunities to build partnerships with the Japanese public and visitors to the pavilion at 'Expo 2025.' For his part, Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan, and Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, said: 'UAE Pavilion reflects the country's approach to shaping the future and embodies resilience, openness, and the ability to strengthen global cooperation to achieve collective progress.' He pointed out that the UAE's return to Osaka carries significant symbolic and strategic meaning, as Abu Dhabi's first participation in World Expos was at Expo 1970 Osaka. 'Today, more than 50 years later, the UAE returns with a global voice calling for cooperation and understanding achieving further progress and development.' WAM
Dubai Eye
09-04-2025
- Dubai Eye
UAE unveils bold vision for Expo 2025 Osaka pavilion
The UAE has unveiled the full vision for its national pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai in Japan. Located within the Empowering Lives Zone, the UAE Pavilion presents a bold vision of collective progress through its theme, 'Earth to Ether'. The theme reflects the country's ongoing journey from its deeply rooted cultural heritage to a future driven by innovation, imagination and exploration. The pavilion delivers a message of driving collective progress for humanity and the planet by advancing space exploration, reimagining healthcare and pioneering sustainable technologies. More than an architectural landmark or national exhibit, the pavilion is an invitation to collaborate. It invites the world to engage with the UAE's ideas, values and ambitions, and to explore how a country rooted in heritage is helping shape a flourishing future for all life on our planet and beyond. Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the office responsible for the UAE Expo Office, said: "The UAE's approach to World Expo participation has always been rooted in dialogue, cooperation and the pursuit of shared progress. As part of the UAE Expo Office, we see every Expo not as a moment in time, but as a platform to advance our values on the world stage — strengthening partnerships, promoting sustainability, and deepening cultural understanding." It was in Osaka in 1970 that Abu Dhabi first participated in a World Expo. More than five decades later, the UAE returns as a global voice for cooperation and progress. The longstanding partnership between the UAE and Japan has grown steadily across sectors including energy, technology, education and culture. The UAE Pavilion will welcome visitors from April 13, 2025 to October 13, 2025. Over the six-month duration, the UAE Pavilion will host opportunities for learning and collaboration through its curated calendar of more than 40 public-facing programmes. These include sustainable technology forums, healthcare dialogues, youth empowerment activities and discussions on space exploration and technological innovation that expand into Expo Osaka's thematic weeks. Designed through international collaboration, the UAE Pavilion merges traditional Emirati architecture with Japanese craftsmanship, featuring 90 towering columns made from agricultural date palm waste. Inside, visitors will experience a multisensory journey through the UAE's story, highlighting space pioneers, healthcare innovators, and sustainability leaders. Guests of the UAE Pavilion will be hosted by Emirati and Japanese Youth Ambassadors, who will guide visitors through a journey of discovery, bringing to life UAE innovations, culture, and collaborations on a global stage. Aged between 18-35, 24 Emirati, 20 Japanese, and 2 expatriates residing in Japan make up this year's cohort— between them speaking a total of 7 languages, including Japanese, English, Arabic, Korean, Tagalog, French, and Mandarin. Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, said the pavilion reflects the UAE's resilience and commitment to collective progress. "It is a space where the world can come together to learn, collaborate and create new futures. As we return to the city where our Expo journey began, we carry with us not only our past but our vision for tomorrow. We thank the people of Japan for their continued friendship and look forward to six months of partnership, creativity and shared progress," he explained. The full interview with Shihab Al Faheem will be played on Dubai Eye103.8's The Business Breakfast at 7:35 AM on Wednesday, April 9.
Sharjah 24
09-04-2025
- Sharjah 24
UAE unveils details of its pavilion at Expo 2025
Located within the Empowering Lives Zone, the UAE Pavilion presents a bold vision of collective progress through its theme, Earth to Ether. This theme reflects the country's ongoing journey from its deeply rooted cultural heritage to a future driven by innovation, imagination, and exploration – bridging the physical and intangible frontiers. Reflecting on the UAE's ambition to empower all life from Earth to Ether, the Pavilion delivers a clear and compelling message. The nation is driving collective progress for humanity and the planet by advancing space exploration, reimagining healthcare and pioneering sustainable technologies. More than an architectural landmark or national exhibit, the pavilion is an invitation to collaborate. It invites the world to engage with the UAE's ideas, values and ambitions, and to explore how a country rooted in heritage is helping shape a flourishing future for all life on the planet and beyond. On this occasion, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, and Commissioner of Expo Office - UAE said: 'The UAE's participation in World Expos has consistently reflected a commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and the pursuit of collective progress.' She emphasised that the UAE Expo Office views each Expo not merely as a moment in time, but as a dynamic platform to showcase the nation's core values on the global stage, strengthen partnerships, advance sustainability, and foster deeper cultural understanding. Al Kaabi added that returning to Japan 55 years after the UAE's first participation in the Expo represents a continuation of the country's legacy of meaningful presence, reflecting its commitment to building a more inclusive and interconnected global future. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the minister affirmed that the UAE's participation in "Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai" will centre around youth, highlighting the involvement of 24 talented Emirati youth ambassadors alongside 20 Japanese youth who are fluent in around seven languages. She explained that this distinction will play a major and effective role in ensuring the UAE's message is impactful. She expressed her eagerness to share with visitors to the UAE Pavilion in Osaka a wealth of inspiring stories about the nation's dreamers and achievers, stressing that young people have accomplished many innovations across various fields, which opens opportunities to build partnerships with the Japanese public and visitors to the pavilion at "Expo 2025." For his part, Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan, and Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, said: 'UAE Pavilion reflects the country's approach to shaping the future and embodies resilience, openness, and the ability to strengthen global cooperation to achieve collective progress.' He pointed out that the UAE's return to Osaka carries significant symbolic and strategic meaning, as Abu Dhabi's first participation in World Expos was at Expo 1970 Osaka. 'Today, more than 50 years later, the UAE returns with a global voice calling for cooperation and understanding achieving further progress and development.' During his remarks at the media briefing, the ambassador also highlighted the deep strategic and economic ties between the UAE and Japan, noting that non-oil trade between the two countries reached approximately AED64 billion in 2024, a 32% increase compared to 2023. He explained that the UAE is Japan's top trading partner in the Arabian Gulf region. As part of the leadership team guiding the UAE Pavilion journey to Expo 2025 Osaka, the UAE Expo Office has appointed Mariam Al Memari, Head of the UAE Expo Office, and Shaikha Al Ketbi, UAE Pavilion Creative Director, as Deputy Commissioner General of the Pavilion. In these roles, they will work alongside Shihab Al Faheem to ensure that the Pavilion delivers an impactful national narrative, fosters meaningful global engagement, and brings to life the UAE's vision for Expo 2025 as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and collective progress. The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 is a testament to global collaboration, uniting Emirati, Japanese, and international expertise in a collective design process that merges tradition with innovation. Drawing inspiration from the iconic date palm, the pavilion reinterprets areesh—traditional Emirati vernacular architecture—by integrating agricultural date palm waste with masterful Japanese woodworking expertise. The Pavilion's signature feature is a striking forest of 90 rachis columns, soaring up to 16 meters. The design sets the tone for a pavilion that represents a story of partnership, sustainability and shared creativity. Over the six-month duration, the UAE Pavilion will host opportunities for learning, collaboration and the co-creation of new futures through its curated calendar of more than 40 public-facing programmes. The Pavilion programming includes sustainable technology forums, healthcare dialogues, youth empowerment activities and discussions on space exploration and technological innovation and expands into Expo Osaka's thematic weeks. Each experience reflects how tradition drives innovation, fostering a culture of open dialogue and inquiry. A major moment for the pavilion will be the celebration of UAE National Day. This event will showcase the UAE's culture, leadership and spirit through a series of high-profile activations and performances. It will serve as a national celebration on a global stage, reinforcing the UAE's role as a connector, a convener and a country committed to shared progress. UAE National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to draw international attention and will be among the most anticipated events of the six-month exposition. The list of official partners of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai includes: ADNOC; PureHealth; Space42; and Department of Culture and Tourism.
Hi Dubai
09-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Unveils Visionary Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka
The United Arab Emirates has officially revealed its full vision for the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, set to run from April 13 to October 13, 2025. Announced during a media briefing by the National Media Office, the Pavilion promises a bold, future-focused narrative under the theme 'Earth to Ether.' Located in the Empowering Lives Zone, the Pavilion will showcase the UAE's journey from its cultural roots to a frontier of innovation, imagination, and sustainability. More than a structure, it is an open invitation to the world to engage with the UAE's values, achievements, and aspirations. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State and Commissioner of the UAE Expo Office, highlighted the nation's commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and youth engagement. She emphasized that the Pavilion will feature 24 Emirati and 20 Japanese youth ambassadors fluent in seven languages to help communicate the UAE's story on a global stage. Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner-General of the Pavilion, underscored the symbolism of returning to Osaka, where the UAE made its Expo debut in 1970. He also pointed to strong bilateral ties, noting AED64 billion in UAE-Japan non-oil trade in 2024—a 32% rise from the previous year. Designed collaboratively by Emirati and Japanese experts, the Pavilion draws from traditional areesh architecture and features 90 towering columns inspired by the date palm. Its six-month programme will include over 40 public events spanning space exploration, healthcare innovation, and sustainability. Official partners include ADNOC, PureHealth, Space42, and the Department of Culture and Tourism. The UAE National Day celebration is expected to be a major highlight of the Expo. News Source: Emirates News Agency
