*** ----> Bahrain Begins Construction of National Pavilion for Expo Osaka 2025 | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Bahrain Begins Construction of National Pavilion for Expo Osaka 2025

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Kingdom of Bahrain has commenced the construction of its national pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025. The event will be held in the Osaka, Kansai region of Japan from April 13 to October 13, 2025, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

The foundation stone was laid during an official inauguration ceremony at the pavilion site, attended by His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and Commissioner-General of the Kingdom’s Pavilion at Expo; His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed Al-Dosari, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Japan; and several Expo Osaka organisers and representatives involved in the pavilion's design and implementation.

On this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa stated: “Laying the foundation stone for the Bahrain Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 marks a significant milestone in our participation in this prestigious international event. We are proud to represent the Kingdom and will seize this opportunity to showcase our culture, creativity, and capacity to address global challenges with our national spirit of innovation.”

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He expressed his gratitude to all contributors to the Kingdom’s participation in Expo Osaka, emphasising that success is a result of teamwork and coordination among various parties, and commended the cooperation from the Expo organisers, reflecting Japan’s commitment to making this edition one of the best.

His Excellency added: “Our participation in the Expo reflects our dedication to promoting cultural and civilisational communication among the peoples of the world, and enhancing Bahrain’s position as a hub of innovation and sustainability on the international stage. We look forward to completing our pavilion on schedule and opening it to visitors, introducing them to the various facets of our culture, and highlighting Bahrain’s achievements in diverse fields.”

The Bahrain Pavilion will occupy an area of 995 square metres and will consist of four floors, reaching a height of 13.7 metres. Designed by Lebanese-French architect Lina Ghotmeh and her Paris office Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture, the pavilion’s design highlights the rich history of traditional ships and the deep connection of Bahraini society with the sea. Inspired by Bahrain’s maritime heritage and Japanese carpentry traditions, it evokes scenes of ancient ships that navigated the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.

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Additionally, the pavilion draws on traditional Bahraini crafts and incorporates Japanese craftsmanship in the use of wood. Constructed entirely of wood with an aluminium outer structure, it aligns with the Kingdom’s vision and policy to push for sustainability. The pavilion is planned to undergo complete recycling after the Expo. The pavilion’s proximity to the sea will aid in cooling and ventilation, employing a modern reinterpretation of ancient cooling methods to minimise reliance on mechanical cooling.

The interior design and exhibition are being developed by Bahraini design studio “Shepard Studio,” offering an interactive and immersive experience for visitors, highlighting the richness of Bahrain’s sea culture and its logistical and natural resources. The Kingdom’s participation in the Expo also includes a business area to promote Bahrain's competitive advantages regionally and globally, showcasing it as a favourable environment for the future economy and a prime destination for investment and business.

Expo Osaka 2025 will focus on three sub-themes: “Ensuring the Sustainability of Life,” “Improving Life,” and “Enhancing Life through Communication.” Organisers anticipate over 28 million visitors, with participation from 150 countries. The Expo will serve as a platform for fostering communication and knowledge exchange between peoples for the benefit of humanity. Each pavilion will have the opportunity to designate a national day to celebrate its cultural and civilisational contributions during the Expo.