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."
Britain's travel restrictions
- A negative test 2 days before flying
- Complete passenger locator form
- Book a post-arrival PCR test
- Double-vaccinated must self-isolate
- 11 countries on red list quarantine
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Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
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From exhibitions to the battlefield
In 2016, the Shaded Dome was awarded with the 'De Vernufteling' people's choice award, an annual prize by the Dutch Association of Consulting Engineers and the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers for the most innovative project by a Dutch engineering firm.
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It is driving positive change through innovation and technology, helping use resources more efficiently.
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
