The UAE has unveiled the designs and inspiration behind its pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka ahead of the world fair's launch next week.
The pavilion's theme is Earth to Ether, which signifies the UAE's journey towards a future guided by innovation, imagination, and exploration.
Expo 2025 runs from April 13 to October 13 and will allow more than 150 countries to celebrate their heritage, achievements and future plans.
The Emirati pavilion will tell the story of the country's work in the space sector, sustainability and health care, among other areas. The site will host more than 40 programmes to encourage learning, collaboration and co-creation. An on-site restaurant will serve traditional Emirati food.
"We are really proud of this moment, a historical moment of the UAE participating in this world event," said Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State. "Our participation embodies the message of the UAE, which is the country's openness for international cooperation and teamwork.
"The participation also embodies the historical relationship between Japan and the UAE, a partnership based on co-operation in different fields like innovation, education and energy."
Among the highlights at the world's fair is a massive wooden architectural structure at its centre, which is to be held on a man-made island in Osaka city. The structure, known as the Grand Ring, has a circumference of 2km. It is the main symbol of the expo, which Japanese authorities estimate will welcome 28 million visitors.
Youth ambassadors from the UAE and Japan will welcome visitors to the Emirati pavilion. The team comprises 24 Emiratis, 20 Japanese citizens and two youth ambassadors from other countries. They speak seven languages, including Arabic, Japanese, English, Tagalog and French.
The six-month event in Japan comes after the success of Expo 2020 Dubai, the first world’s fair to be held in the Middle East and North Africa, which recorded more than 24 million visits over six months.
"This is more than a showcase of achievement; it is a space where the world can come together to learn, co-operate and create new futures," said Shihab Al Faheem, the UAE's ambassador to Japan.
"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 and shared progress."
