- ARAB NEWS
- 15 May 2025
Since 1975
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.
Expo 2025 offers a timely opportunity to reaffirm these bonds and to explore new areas of synergy
Ahmed Mohamed Aldoseri
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.
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.
