The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has emerged as a standout attraction, blending Emirati heritage with cutting-edge innovation and sustainability. Over two million palm fronds, meticulously shipped from the UAE to Japan, were used to craft an immersive Emirati palm oasis that captivated visitors from the moment they entered. This unique design earned the pavilion the BIE Bronze Award for Architectural and Landscape Design, securing its place among the top three pavilions at the Expo. The pavilion’s 90 palm frond columns symbolized a harmonious fusion of Emirati identity and sustainable practices, with themes centered on space, sustainability, and healthcare. The theme, ‘Earth to Ether,’ encapsulated the UAE’s commitment to environmental stewardship and ambitious space exploration. Visitors were treated to a multi-sensory experience, where the intricate columns, ambient lighting, and the scent of palm fronds evoked a sense of cultural connection, particularly resonating with Japanese visitors who likened the aroma to traditional tatami mats. The pavilion’s narrative was brought to life by 46 youth ambassadors, including 24 Emiratis, who shared stories in Arabic, English, and Japanese, earning the pavilion the Best Staff Award. With nearly 5 million visitors, the UAE Pavilion became the most visited at the Expo. Among its highlights was the first Emirati restaurant in Japan, which served traditional dishes in a unique Emirati-Japanese bento box, symbolizing the cultural fusion between the two nations. The pavilion also drew Japanese visitors who had attended the 1970 Expo in Osaka, allowing them to witness the UAE’s remarkable progress over the past 55 years. This cultural exchange underscored the pavilion’s role in strengthening the bond between the UAE and Japan.
Photos: 2 million palm fronds shipped for UAE Pavilion, one of top 3 at Expo 2025 Osaka
