The UAE has started construction on its pavilion for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
A ground-breaking ceremony took place at the Expo 2025 Osaka site on Yumeshima island, state news agency Wam reported on Friday.
More than 150 countries and international organisations are expected to participate in the event, three years after the Emirates hosted Expo 2020 Dubai, which was delayed due to Covid-19.
The world’s fair in Dubai registered 24 million visits, making it one of the most successful events hosted during the pandemic.
The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Shihab Al Faheem, UAE ambassador to Japan, along with Expo 2025 organisers and other officials.
Expo 2025 starts in April on the man-made Yumeshima island in Osaka Bay, with the guiding theme of “designing future society for our lives”.
Organisers say the focus at Expo 2025 will be on addressing critical global challenges through its sub-themes: “saving lives”, which emphasises protecting lives; “empowering lives”, dedicated to expanding people’s potential; and “connecting lives”, aimed at engaging everyone, building communities and enriching society.
The UAE is hosting a self-built pavilion, making it one of the largest country pavilions at the event in Osaka, Wam said.
It is situated in the Empowering Lives zone and close to the Japan Pavilion.
The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will offer a diverse programme designed for visitors of all ages.
Authorities say it will present opportunities for creating and deepening connections among diplomats, innovators, researchers, academics, business leaders and students.
This will be done through interactive exhibits, engaging workshops and collaborative events, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to innovation, education and global collaboration.
Expo 2025 runs from April to October and will be the third Expo that Japan has hosted.
Expo 2030, meanwhile, will be held in Saudi Arabia after the capital, Riyadh, saw off competition from Rome and Busan.
That will be the first Expo held in the country and the second for the Middle East and North Africa region after Dubai’s staging of the event.
