Middle East to Far East: Dubai Culture takes part in Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai
- Last updated: May 14, 2025 | 10:30
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai, hosted by Japan (April 13 – Oct. 13).
The engagement underlines the achievements of UAE-based talent and designers and highlights the Authority’s dedication to supporting the UAE Pavilion and its diverse offerings at the Expo, where architectural ingenuity merges with cultural richness.
During the event, on May 20-21, Dubai Culture will host a two-day symposium titled ‘Pillars of Arish: Architecture in Transition’, organised in partnership with the UAE Pavilion and supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant, one of the key initiatives under Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy.
Curated by Salem AlSuwaidi, Founder of SWALIF Collective and Co-founder of MamarLab in collaboration with Rashed AlMulla, Founder of MABNAI and Co-founder of MamarLab, the symposium will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions exploring the intersections of architecture, cultural identity and material innovation in the UAE.
From investigating the influence of traditional knowledge embodied in elements such as the arish and vernacular landscapes, to the integration of site sensitive and climate-responsive design, the sessions will examine architecture both as a form and as a dynamic cultural and ecological agent. The programme also involves dialogues on education, design enterprise and the critical imperative of sustainable, context-driven development.
The delegation to Osaka consists of 12 emerging and established architects and cultural professionals, namely: Ahmad Bukhash, Founder of Archidentity and designer of ‘The Good Place’ Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; Fatima AlSuwaidi, Head of the Cultural Heritage Legislation and Policy Section, Ministry of Culture; Ahmed Al Ali, Founder of X-Architects; Fatima AlZaabi, Co-founder of D04 Studios; Abdalla AlMulla, Founder of MULA Design Studio; Lina Ahmed, Associate Professor of Sustainable Design at Zayed University; Laith AlSheyadi, Urban Planner at the Oman Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning; Reem Al Qamzi, Founder of R.Qticets Studio; Rakan Lootah, Founder of Rakan Lootah Studio; Noora AlAwar, Co-founder of D04 Studios; Hamad AlMutawa, Architect at Köda and Mohammad Salem AlShafiei, Engineer at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.
The participating architects will explore Osaka and the architectural, cultural, and artistic landscapes of its neighbouring cities (May 16 to 19). They will explore the region’s built environment and architectural marvels by visiting and interacting with landmarks such as the National Museum of Art, Umeda Sky Building by Hiroshi Hara, teamLab Botanical Gardens, as well as specially focus on Japanese architect Tadao Ando with visits to the Tadao Ando exhibition at Grand Green Osaka, Kyoto Garden of Fine Arts, Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Honpukuji Water Temple and Awaji Yumebutai, all designed by Ando.
Shaima Rashed AlSuwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stressed the significance of being part of Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai. She said: “At Dubai Culture, we champion the role of arts and design as catalysts for cultural dialogue and creative diplomacy. By showcasing our talent on global platforms, we foster meaningful connections that drive lasting cultural exchange. This engagement also strengthens ties with cultural institutions worldwide and fosters knowledge exchange, fuelling growth in the cultural and creative industries and ensures that Emirati and UAE-based participants engage meaningfully with contemporary architectural discourse, while positioning them within a global framework.”
The UAE National Pavilion, located in the ‘Empowering Lives’ zone at the Expo under the theme From Earth to Ether, is an architectural icon that reflects national identity and showcases the UAE’s vision for shaping the future of humanity. It conveys the message of cooperation and shared progress, while highlighting the country’s inspiring journey in space exploration, healthcare innovation, and sustainability leadership across vital sectors. Dubai Culture is also hosting the Dubai Performing Arts Festival for Schools (May 12 – 14), inviting students to showcase their skills in theatre, music and traditional performing arts. The initiative aligns with the Authority’s mandate to foster creative expression, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
Taking place across the Zayed Educational Complex branches in Al Warqa, Al Muhaisnah and Al Barsha, the festival welcomes students from all grades in public schools. 20 educational institutes in Dubai compete for the fest’s awards in the fields of theatre and music. A distinguished panel will evaluate presentations. Actor-director Mohammed Saeed Al-Sulaiti and Dr. Khaled Al-Banna will judge the theatrical performances across 22 categories, from Best Integrated Theatrical Performance to Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Direction and Best Script. Composer Mohammed Malallah and artist Jassim Mohammed oversee the musical and folk art showcases vying for 15 accolades, such as Best Choir, Best Male Vocalist, Best Female Vocalist, and Best Instrumentalist. Three awards will also recognise excellence in traditional games, with winners being announced at the closing ceremony later this May.
Fatma Al Jallaf, Acting Director of the Performing Arts Department at Dubai Culture, said that “drama and music build bridges between cultures and preserve the heritage of nations. They are also powerful educational tools that shape character, sharpen abilities, and deepen artistic insight. Through this festival, Dubai Culture aims to inject fresh energy into the local arts scene, securing its future and driving our ambition to become the world’s leading creative economy hub by 2026. By giving students a platform to refine their talent across various performing arts, we empower them to hone their craft and inspire innovative works to enrich our cultural and creative industries.”