Bahrain Unveils National Pavilion for Expo Osaka 2025

Manama, The Gulf Observer: The Kingdom of Bahrain has unveiled its National Pavilion for Expo Osaka 2025, showcasing its rich maritime heritage and emphasizing the sea’s historical significance as a means of communication with the world since the Dilmun Civilization.

The Bahrain Pavilion will highlight the kingdom’s strategic geographic location as the gateway to the Gulf and its history as a major port of trade. This history has fostered a society renowned for innovation, exceptional openness, and cultural and ethnic diversity.

Bahrain’s participation in Expo Osaka 2025 marks the kingdom’s fourth appearance at a World Expo, following successful participations in Expo Shanghai 2010, Expo Milan 2015, and Expo 2020 Dubai.

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and General Commissioner of Bahrain’s National Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, emphasized the importance of this event. “In the midst of today’s rapidly evolving world, our collaborative efforts are aimed at establishing the Kingdom of Bahrain as a frontrunner in the realms of innovation, creativity, and sustainability. Our participation in the World Expo is pivotal, as it presents a unique platform for us to demonstrate our diverse capabilities, rich cultural heritage, and innovative solutions that can address many of the global challenges.”

Shaikh Khalifa also highlighted Bahrain’s unique geographical location as a historical maritime crossroads in the Gulf Region, which has significantly shaped the kingdom’s culture, ancient civilization, and economic strengths. He noted the synergy between various sectors in Bahrain, both public and private, working in harmony to represent the kingdom admirably. Additionally, he underscored the crucial role of Expo Osaka as a platform for global communication and collaboration, ultimately serving the greater good of humanity.

Designed by Lebanese-French architect Lina Ghotmeh with her Paris-based studio Lina Ghotmeh – Architecture, the Bahrain Pavilion is situated in the “Empowering Lives” area facing the sea. The design draws inspiration from traditional Bahraini boats, reinterpreting millennial boat-building techniques that showcase Bahrain’s craftsmanship and manufacturing heritage, alongside Japanese wood artistry, celebrating the bilateral relations between both countries.

Ghotmeh elaborated on the pavilion’s design: “The pavilion’s shape reminisces the vessels that once navigated the coasts of Eastern Arabia and East Africa, weaving enchanting tales of a seafaring Bahraini nation.” The pavilion will be constructed from wood, with an outer structure made of aluminum, promoting sustainability and aligning with Bahrain’s vision. It will be fully recycled after the Expo, utilizing its proximity to the sea for cooling and ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling methods.

The interior design and exhibition will be led by the Bahraini design studio Shepherd Studio, offering an immersive experience that highlights Bahrain’s maritime, logistical, and natural resources. Additionally, Bahrain’s participation will include a dedicated business space to promote Bahrain’s competitiveness as a forward-looking economy and a destination for investment and business on a global scale.

Expo Osaka 2025, themed “Designing Future Society for our Lives,” will take place in the Osaka-Kansai region of Japan from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The Expo will feature three sub-themes: “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives,” and “Connecting Lives,” and is expected to attract over 28 million visitors from around 150 countries. Various events will provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and connection, contributing to the betterment of humanity. Each pavilion will have the opportunity to designate a national day during the Expo to celebrate its culture and values.