Arab News Japan

DUBAI: The UAE unveiled its vision for its national pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, which will be held from April 13 to October 13. The announcement was made during a media briefing organized by the National Media Office.

Located in the Empowering Lives Zone, the UAE Pavilion showcases the theme “Earth to Ether,” symbolizing the country’s journey from its cultural heritage to a future driven by innovation. The pavilion aims to highlight the UAE’s leadership in space exploration, healthcare, and sustainable technologies, reflecting the nation’s ongoing progress for humanity and the planet, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State and Commissioner of the UAE Expo Office, said that the UAE’s participation underscores its commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and collective progress.

She emphasized that Expo 2025 is not just a moment in time but a dynamic platform to showcase the UAE’s core values on the global stage. WAM reported that the event will center around youth, with 24 Emirati youth ambassadors and 20 Japanese youth representing the UAE’s message.

Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, spoke about the strategic and symbolic importance of the UAE’s return to Osaka 55 years after its first participation in Expo 1970.

According to WAM, he highlighted the UAE’s strong economic ties with Japan, with non-oil trade between the two nations reaching AED 64 billion in 2024, a 32% increase from 2023.

The UAE Pavilion’s design merges traditional Emirati architecture with Japanese woodworking expertise. The pavilion’s signature feature will be a forest of 90 rachis columns, reaching up to 16 meters.

Over its six-month duration, the UAE Pavilion will host more than 40 public-facing programs, including discussions on sustainable technology, space exploration, and youth empowerment. The UAE Pavilion will also feature an event on UAE National Day, with high-profile performances and activations that are expected to attract international attention.