The United Arab Emirates has unveiled its vision for the national pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which will take place in Japan from April 13 to October 13, 2025. This announcement was made during a media briefing organized by the National Media Office in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE Pavilion will be located within the Empowering Lives Zone and is themed “Earth to Ether.” This theme symbolizes the nation’s journey from its rich cultural heritage towards a future focused on innovation, imagination, and exploration, aiming to bridge both physical and intangible frontiers.

The pavilion conveys a powerful message about the UAE’s commitment to advancing collective progress for humanity and the planet. It emphasizes initiatives in space exploration, healthcare innovation, and sustainable technologies. More than just an architectural exhibit, the pavilion is designed to invite global collaboration and engagement with the UAE’s values and ambitions, showcasing how a heritage-rich nation can contribute to a promising future for all life.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State and Commissioner of Expo Office – UAE, highlighted that the UAE’s participation in World Expos is centered on dialogue and collaboration. She noted that each Expo serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing the UAE’s core values, strengthening partnerships, and advancing sustainability and cultural understanding.

Al Kaabi mentioned that this participation marks a return to Japan 55 years after the UAE’s first Expo appearance, reflecting the country’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive global future. She also stated that the involvement of 24 Emirati youth ambassadors and 20 Japanese youth, who collectively speak around seven languages, will enhance the pavilion’s message and impact.

Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion, stated that the pavilion embodies the UAE’s vision for shaping the future through resilience and global cooperation. He pointed out the significance of returning to Osaka, where the UAE first participated in World Expos in 1970, emphasizing the call for cooperation and understanding to achieve progress.

During the briefing, Al Faheem also noted the strong economic ties between the UAE and Japan, citing that non-oil trade between the two nations reached approximately AED 64 billion in 2024, representing a 32% increase from 2023. He affirmed that the UAE is Japan’s top trading partner in the Arabian Gulf region.

The leadership team for the UAE Pavilion includes Mariam Al Memari, Head of the UAE Expo Office, and Shaikha Al Ketbi, UAE Pavilion Creative Director, serving as Deputy Commissioner General. Together with Al Faheem, they will ensure the pavilion delivers a compelling national narrative and encourages global engagement aligned with the UAE’s vision for Expo 2025.

The pavilion will merge Emirati and Japanese expertise in its design, inspired by the iconic date palm and traditional Emirati architecture. A notable feature will be a forest of 90 rachis columns, reaching heights of 16 meters, symbolizing partnership, sustainability, and shared creativity.

Over the six-month event, the UAE Pavilion will offer more than 40 public-facing programs, including forums on sustainable technology, healthcare dialogues, and discussions on space exploration. Each program reflects the connection between tradition and innovation, fostering a culture of open dialogue.

A highlight of the pavilion will be the celebration of UAE National Day, featuring high-profile activations and performances to showcase the UAE’s culture and leadership. This event is expected to attract significant international attention and will be one of the most anticipated moments of the expo.

The official partners of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai include ADNOC, PureHealth, Space42, and the Department of Culture and Tourism.