UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka hosts record three million visitors

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, has welcomed a record three millionth visitors, marking another key milestone in its journey as one of the most visited and admired national pavilions at the Expo.

Since opening in mid April 2025, the Pavilion has become a space of storytelling, connection, and discovery. With its theme Earth to Ether, it offers an immersive experience that bridges the UAE’s rich heritage with its forward-looking vision for global progress.

The Pavilion team marked the milestone by taking the opportunity to connect with visitors and reflect on the journey so far. Visitors arriving on the day were welcomed with the same warmth and openness that have made the Pavilion a favourite for many.

The Pavilion's Youth Ambassadors along with the wider team, have played a central role in this journey. They have brought stories to life, fostered conversations, and created moments of genuine cultural exchange. Their energy, insight and hospitality have helped shape the Pavilion experience and have been key to reaching this remarkable milestone.

Shihab Alfaheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, said: "Reaching the three million mark is a huge milestone for the UAE Pavilion. It is a cherished achievement, and speaks to the global resonance of the UAE’s story and our shared aspirations for the future. Every visitor who walks through the Pavilion brings their own voice to our collective journey. Together, we are shaping a narrative that crosses borders, embraces diversity, and accelerates progress. With two months remaining, we want more guests to experience our pavilion.” Designed by the Earth to Ether Design Collective, a consortium of UAE, Japanese and other international partners, the Pavilion has earned widespread praise for its architectural vision, sustainable construction, and powerful storytelling. The Pavilion’s 90 columns, formed from agricultural palm waste and inspired by the date palm, reflect a design philosophy rooted in shared purpose, creative exchange, and the pursuit of progress for all life.

Inside, visitors journey through five thematic zones that highlight the UAE’s bold steps in space exploration, healthcare innovation, sustainable technologies, and cultural heritage. The Pavilion’s sensory design, interactive installations, and narrative flow have contributed to a deeply engaging guest experience.

In addition to its architecture and exhibits, the Pavilion has emerged as a vibrant cultural hub at the Expo. Its daily programming includes expert talks, creative workshops, Emirati food showcases, and artistic performances that attract both visitors and fellow Expo participants.

The Pavilion has seen many visitors return for a second or even third experience, a testament to the lasting impression it leaves and the connection it fosters across cultures. These events continue to draw enthusiastic crowds, reinforcing the Pavilion’s role as a space for dialogue, creativity, and human connection.

With Expo 2025 running until October 13, 2025, the UAE Pavilion continues to welcome the world with open arms, inviting every visitor to explore the UAE’s enduring values and its vision for a shared, flourishing future.

Meanwhile, the Global Talent Attraction and Retention Committee, chaired by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade and Minister in Charge of Global Talent Attraction and Retention, met to discuss the latest initiatives within the second phase of the National Talent Attraction and Retention Strategy 2024-2027.

The second phase of the National Strategy for Talent Attraction and Retention 2024-2027 includes a set of initiatives that will be jointly implemented by the relevant authorities at all levels, from the federal government to local governments to private sector institutions. The initiatives will work to attract professionals who specialize in targeted economic sectors, launch global promotional campaigns that consolidate the UAE’s mission to be the home of exceptional talent, and organise a number of international events that seek to attract and develop talent in all targeted economic sectors.

The committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; the Ministry of Community Empowerment; the Ministry of Culture; the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security; the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics centre; the Abu Dhabi Residents Office - Department of Economic Development - Abu Dhabi; the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai; the Emirates Scientists Council; and the Emirates Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions.

Al Zeyoudi stressed that the strategic projects and initiatives discussed during the meeting aim to contribute to further improving the UAE's ranking in global talent competitiveness indicators, as well as consolidating the country's position as a preferred destination for the world’s brightest, most talented and most ambitious people, especially in strategic sectors of the future.

Al Zeyoudi also stressed the committee’s focus on enhancing the nation’s ecosystem in order to retain these individuals for the long term by fostering a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for their continuous growth and development.

He said that the progress achieved in the UAE’s ranking on global indicators for attracting and retaining talent comes as a result of the forward-looking vision of the nation’s leadership and its continuous directives on the importance of working to consolidate the country's position as an attractive destination for talent from all over the world, in order to stimulate the sustainable economic growth.

He added that the new initiatives and projects discussed during the meeting will contribute to attracting more talent in targeted economic sectors and enable the UAE to join the list of top 10 global destinations for talent attraction by 2031.

Al Zeyoudi praised the team spirit and cooperation between members of the committee to implement this vital national strategy.

The Committee for Attracting and Retaining Global Talent meeting is part of continuous efforts from various ministries and government agencies to achieve the national goals of the "We are the UAE 2031" vision. This directive aims to enhance the country's global competitiveness as a hub for knowledge and innovation, enabling high-growth companies to attract the brightest minds and talent so that they may contribute to building an economy of the future, bringing the country sustainable growth and prosperity.

During the meeting, the members of the Global Talent Attraction and Retention Committee exchanged views and ideas on potential new projects and initiatives, as well as the latest global developments in the field of talent attraction, alongside the best practices adopted by leading countries.

WAM