Latest news with #UAEpavilion
The National
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
UAE pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 welcomes two millionth visitor
The UAE's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka on Monday celebrated welcoming its two millionth visitor with an event merging Japanese and Emirati tradition. The palm tree-inspired pavilion – which pays homage to the country's rich history and enterprising vision for the future – has proven a hit with international crowds since the latest world's fair opened on April 13. The UAE team marked the milestone achievement with a special event inspired by the ancient Japanese festival of Tanabata, highlighting the pavilion's significant role in cultivating cultural connections from the Middle East to the Far East. The Tanabata – or star festival – celebrates the uniting of two deities which, according to legend, are separated by the Milky Way and can meet once a year only on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. It is typically marked by wishes being hung on bamboo branches. The UAE pavilion offered an Emirati twist to the festivities by instead using palm fronds as the natural canvas on which people expressed their hopes and dreams. Shihab Alfaheem, the UAE's ambassador to Japan, said the colourful event served to symbolise the deep-rooted friendship between the Emirates and Japan. 'We are deeply honoured to have welcomed two million visitors to the UAE pavilion," he said. "This reflects the world's interest, trust and connection with the UAE's journey. By celebrating this milestone during Tanabata, we not only honoured a cherished Japanese tradition but also embraced the spirit of cultural exchange that defines Expo 2025. Our pavilion continues to be a living space of ideas, creativity and shared values.' The pavilion's theme is Earth to Ether, which symbolises the UAE's journey towards a future guided by innovation, imagination and exploration. It seeks to tell the story of the country's work in the space sector, sustainability and health care, among other areas. The site hosts more than 40 programmes to encourage learning, collaboration and co-creation, while an on-site restaurant serves traditional Emirati food to bring national cuisine to an international audience. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visited the UAE's pavilion during a tour of Expo 2025 Osaka in April. 'I was impressed by the design of our national pavilion, inspired by the palm tree, which reimagines the traditional Arish – the old homes built from palm fronds and trunks. 'However, the content of the UAE Arish showcases our space projects, future initiatives in the health sector and our progress in sustainability projects. Sharing the UAE's story 'Our pavilion embodies our commitment to our authentic past and our passion for the future. Expo 2025 opened on April 13 and runs until October 13. It provides a global platform for more than 150 countries to showcase their heritage, achievements and enterprising plans for future progress. 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. Expo 2025 Osaka attracted five million visits in its first six weeks, putting it on track to hit its 28 million target.
Khaleej Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Dreamers who do': UAE's Sultan AlNeyadi shares journey from Earth to stars at Expo 2025 Osaka
Featured as one of the UAE Pavilion's celebrated 'Dreamers Who Do', astronaut Dr Sultan AlNeyadi brought his remarkable space journey to life at Expo 2025 Osaka, offering visitors an inspiring glimpse into the nation's ambition in space exploration and innovation. During his visit, AlNeyadi, who is also the UAE's Minister of State for Youth Affairs, engaged with an international audience, reflecting on his six-month mission aboard the International Space Station. He spoke about daily life in orbit, the scientific experiments conducted during Expedition 69, and the vital role of global collaboration in advancing space research. A special Q-and-A session allowed children, families, and visitors from around the world to connect with him directly. AlNeyadi was welcomed by Shihab AlFaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion, and taken on a tour through the Pavilion's immersive journey – from Earth to Ether. The multi-sensory experience highlights the UAE's transformation and showcases stories of individuals shaping the nation's future, including space explorers, healthcare pioneers, and sustainability champions. A key highlight of the visit was the Explorers of Space zone, where AlNeyadi is featured as one of the Pavilion's 'Dreamers Who Do,' individuals who have translated national ambition into global achievement. His presence added personal depth to the exhibit, creating a powerful moment of connection for visitors. 'It has been a privilege to visit the UAE Pavilion here in Osaka and see how our national story is being brought to life on the global stage,' said AlNeyadi. 'The 'Dreamers Who Do' experience highlights the UAE's belief in its people. In just a few years, we have moved from ambition to achievement in space exploration. Our growing collaboration with Japan is a strong example of what shared vision can deliver for the future of humanity.' His participation also aligned with Expo 2025's 'Future of Community and Mobility' theme week, which explores how science and innovation can transform how societies connect and progress. His visit underscored the UAE's leadership in shaping future-ready conversations, especially in space and advanced technology. 'We were honoured to welcome Dr Sultan AlNeyadi to the UAE Pavilion,' said AlFaheem. 'His story continues to inspire and reflects the values and ambition that define the UAE's presence on the world stage.' The UAE Pavilion remains open daily at Expo 2025 Osaka, offering a dynamic, multi-sensory experience that captures the people, ideas, and achievements shaping a flourishing future — from Earth to Ether.
