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.