'Unique' UAE Pavilion honoured as Expo 2025 Osaka draws to a close

Emirates was among top three large pavilions recognised for its architecture and landscape in Japan

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is among the top three winners in the large pavilion category for architecture and landscape. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE Pavilion which recreated a date palm oasis, has been named one of the world’s top three large pavilions for its architecture and landscape as Expo 2025 Osaka drew to an end.

The six-month World’s Fair held in Japan closed on Monday and, in keeping with tradition before shutters came down, the world’s finest pavilions were selected from the hundreds on site.

The glass-encased UAE Pavilion, constructed using agricultural waste and discarded date palm trees, won the bronze prize in the self-built pavilions category larger than 1,500 sq metres. Saudi Arabia won gold followed by Spain with silver.

Emirati architect Ahmed Bukhash said judges were impressed with the “free-flowing” UAE Pavilion, which captured the Emirati spirit.

“It intrigued the judges. The beauty of the UAE Pavilion was its translucent appearance, making it unique among other pavilions, and that it opened up to a palm tree oasis,” he said.

“The open paths created inside made sure visitors could wander around to look at the UAE’s heritage, legacy and future plans. Its openness also reflected the hospitality of UAE citizens, who greet visitors with open hearts.”

Moment of pride

The UAE Pavilion, built using more than two million date palm fronds, told the nation's story from builtpearl diving history, highlighted exhibits such as silver khanjars (daggers), earthen incense burners and charted the country’s progress in space exploration and sustainability.

“The pavilion showcased Emirati talent – this was inbuilt in the design and was a tribute to the true Emirati spirit,” Mr Bukhash said.

The Emirati architect had the honour of being selected by the BIE, the governing body for World Expos, to serve on the jury that awarded the best pavilions at the Osaka Expo.

A view of the UAE pavilion from the grand ring, the world's largest wooden ring structure built at the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Victor Besa / The National

Awards for large, medium and small pavilions are announced at the end of each six-month fair. Judges recuse themselves when the voting covers their home country pavilion to avoid a conflict of interest.

The pavilions were judged on design and connection to the Osaka Expo theme, Designing a Future Society of Our Lives.

Mr Bukhash spoke of the moment of pride when he heard the UAE named among the award recipients during a ceremony at the Expo venue on Monday.

“The jury members were local Japanese, others were from the US and Europe. They enjoyed how the UAE used the areesh (palm frond) to harmonise the architecture with the landscape.”

Handing the baton to Saudi Arabia

The next Expo, in 2030, will be held in Saudi Arabia and this will mark the second time the World’s Fair will be hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region after Expo 2020 Dubai.

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion was second in size after the host nation Japan’s pavilion. Saudi Arabia won first place for an immersive experience that took visitors on traditional winding village pathways that led to inner courtyards with exhibits.

“We feel privileged to be alongside our brothers,” Mr Bukhash said.

“This was a baton that was handed over and it keeps the Expo within the region as it now passes to our neighbours. The Saudi pavilion showed a uniqueness in the courtyard design and how it showed new technologies to revitalise the nation. Keeping a focus on the Middle East helps us project growth for all.”

Guide for next expos

The Expo in Japan’s port city has welcomed more than 25 million visitors on the artificial Yumeshima island in Osaka Bay. Pavilions were set up within a grand ring, the world’s largest wooden architectural ring-structure that was purpose-built for the Expo.

“Throughout the last six months, diverse cultures from around the world have gathered together in one place … engaging in initiatives, dialogue, and collaboration,” said Yoshitaka Ito, Japan’s Minister for the World Expo during a ceremony at the site.

“I am convinced that this Expo has served as a road map for overcoming global fragmentation. We are determined to pass on the insights and experience gained through Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan to guide the next expos.”

The six month Expo 2025 Osaka drew to a close on Monday. Victor Besa / The National

Dimitri S Kerkentzes, secretary general of the BIE, highlighted the importance of dialogue through expos.

“Here in Yumeshima, over 150 countries have presented the best of themselves in beautiful and inspiring pavilions and seized the opportunity to engage in dialogue, create new links and strengthen existing relations. During times of turbulence, Expo 2025 Osaka has been a beacon of all that is wonderful in the world.”

Emirati guides win hearts at Expo 2025 Osaka – in pictures

Emirati national Meznah Al Ansaari is among the youth ambassadors and guides around the UAE pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Photo: UAE Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka

Ms Al Ansaari learnt Japanese in Tokyo, where she spent a year before studying for a bachelor’s degree. Photo: UAE Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka

Ms Al Ansaari says learning Japanese was difficult but that immersing herself in the culture has helped her connect with the country. Photo: UAE Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka

Alia Aleissaee, far left, and Ms Al Ansaari, far right, with visitors at the pavilion. Photo: UAE Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka

Emirati youth ambassadors like Ms Aleissaee have won admirers for their fluent Japanese. Photo: UAE Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka

Ms Aleissaee enjoys interacting with people from Japan and overseas at the six-month Expo, which ends in October. Photo: UAE Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka

Ms Aleissaee is one of the young Emiratis who are the driving force behind the UAE pavilion. Photo: UAE Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka

Ahmed Al Darei says working as a youth ambassador and speaking Japanese to visitors is a dream come true. Photo: UAE Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka

Mr Al Darei encourages tourists to learn a few Japanese phrases. Photo: UAE Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka

Visitors to the pavilion are given an introduction to UAE culture. Photo: UAE Pavilion Expo 2025 Osaka

The tall columns in the UAE pavilion are made of date palm tree waste. Victor Besa / The National

Traditional UAE crafts are on display. Victor Besa / The National

Visitors at the UAE pavilion ask about the traditional wooden loom, one of the interactive exhibits on display. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE pavilion as seen from the 'grand ring', which loops around the whole Expo 2025 Osaka site. Victor Besa / The National

The grand ring is one of the world's largest elevated wooden structures and is a central feature of the Expo. Victor Besa / The National

The Women's pavilion has been repurposed from the popular Japan pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, and serves as a bridge between two world's fairs. Victor Besa / The National

School children with the Expo's colourful mascot. Victor Besa / The National

The Gundam pavilion is among the most popular at the Expo, with fans of the Japanese anime series making reservations months in advance. Victor Besa / The National

Japanese fans of the wildly popular anime series on giant robots pose in front of the Gundam pavilion at the Expo. Victor Besa / The National