The Pavilion of the United Arab Emirates at Expo has announced its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, which will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, under the theme "Innovating the Future to Improve Lives." This was revealed during the groundbreaking ceremony for Expo 2025 on Yuminshima Island in Osaka, attended by Shihab Ahmad Al Fahim, the UAE Ambassador to Japan, along with Expo organizers, official delegations, and senior officials. The occasion reflects the commencement of the construction of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and the official handover of the site from the Expo organizers, as reported by the Emirates News Agency "WAM."
Creative Ideas
State Minister Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi stated, "We are honored to celebrate this occasion at the distinguished Expo 2025 Osaka, where nations and peoples come together to exchange the latest technologies, enhance creative ideas, and collaborate on solutions to address the global challenges facing humanity today." She added: "The International Expo comes at an important time for both the UAE and Japan, as both sides seek to strengthen cooperation and joint action to empower everyone and achieve a better life and a sustainable future. Since 1971, the UAE has been working diligently to fulfill its commitment to global solutions, and we are continuing our journey and commitment to achieving a sustainable future for future generations."
Sustainability of Life
Expo 2025 Osaka, expected to attract over 28 million visitors, will focus on major global challenges by adopting sub-themes for the event: "Ensuring Sustainability of Life," aimed at protecting human life; "Improving Lives," which seeks to enrich individual lives and enhance their capabilities; and "Enhancing Lives through Connection," aimed at engaging everyone and activating their roles, building communities, and enriching them.
Improving Lives
Shihab Ahmad Al Fahim, the UAE Ambassador to Japan, mentioned during the ceremony that the UAE Pavilion will participate under the sub-theme "Improving Lives" by highlighting meaningful and valuable stories from the past, present, and future, with a focus on the UAE's ambitious efforts in innovation, research and development in healthcare, space exploration, and sustainable technologies. The pavilion will also serve as a collaborative platform that helps develop innovative solutions contributing to enhancing teamwork.
Heritage of Our Ancestors
During the ceremony, Ambassador Al Fahim explained that the design inspired by the heritage and values of the ancestors reflects the UAE's commitment in its past and present to preserve the environment and coexist with it, optimally utilizing natural resources. This approach focuses on creating visions for ways and materials inspired by the state’s heritage and culture, highlighting the importance of the past in enriching the present and future.
He added: "We are pleased with the UAE's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, which reflects the flourishing relations between the two countries. For over 52 years, our diplomatic relations have witnessed remarkable growth and significant economic, cultural, and industrial exchange." He noted that relations with Japan began even before the establishment of the federation in 1971, stating that since Abu Dhabi's first participation in Expo Osaka in 1970, our partnership has prospered, embodying mutual respect and cooperation between the two countries.
Al Fahim expressed gratitude for the efforts of the Japan Association for Expo 2025 and the Bureau International des Expositions for providing the opportunity to strengthen cooperation and partnership between our country and the world, working together towards a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Largest Pavilions
The UAE Pavilion is located in the "Improving Lives" area near the Japanese pavilion and will participate in Pavilion Category A, making it one of the largest international pavilions at Expo Osaka. The UAE Pavilion is designed drawing inspiration from local Emirati heritage, utilizing elements from agricultural waste, particularly palm fronds, while leveraging Japanese expertise in wood construction.
Two Emirati students, Abdullah Al Hosani and Ahmed Al Zunhaini, who are pursuing their higher education in Japan, participated in the groundbreaking ceremony by presenting parts of the program in Japanese.
