The Kingdom of Bahrain unveils its National Pavilion at The Expo Osaka 2025, marking the Kingdom’s fourth participation at the Expo, following its participation in Expo Shanghai 2010, Expo Milan 2015, and Expo Dubai 2020.
The Bahrain Pavilion is designed by the Lebanese French architect Lina Ghotmeh with her Paris based studio Lina Ghotmeh—Architecture and is located in the "Empowering Lives" area facing the sea.
The design draws inspiration from traditional Bahraini dhow boats, reinterpreting millennial boat building techniques that showcase Bahrain’s rich craftsmanship and manufacturing heritage, alongside Japanese wood artistry- in a celebration of the bilateral relations between both countries.To the left, a man works on a large wooden boat (dhow) at a shipyard in Manama in about 1950. To the right, Sewn planking involves fitting the wooden planks together tightly and then sewing them together with cord made from coconut husk fibers or other natural fibers
To the left, Photo of a ship under construction in India. To the right, Japanese constructors building with wood
Lina Ghotmeh shares that “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 out of wood, with an outer structure made of aluminum, aligning with Bahrain's vision to promote sustainability, and will be fully recycled after the Expo.
It utilizes its proximity to the sea for cooling and ventilation, in a contemporary reinterpretation of ancestral cooling methods. With an emphasis on sustainability, the pavilion reduces the need for any mechanical cooling methods.
The interior design and exhibition will be led by the Bahraini design studio Shepherd Studio, with the Artistic direction of Lina Ghotmeh offering an immersive experience for visitors highlighting Bahrain’s rich maritime, logistical and natural resources. Additionally, Bahrain's participation in the Expo will include a dedicated business space to promote Bahrain's competitiveness regionally and globally as a forward-looking economy, investment, and business destination for visitors from all over the world.
Bahrain's participation will highlight its unique and historical maritime heritage, that has served as the primary means of communication with the world since the Dilmun Civilization. The pavilion will showcase Bahrain's strategic geographic location as the gateway to the Gulf and its history as a major port of trade, shaping a local society known for its exceptional openness to the world, its cultural diversity and its innovation.
In a statement, His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, and the General Commissioner of Bahrain's National Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025 said: "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 could address many of the global challenges".
He further emphasized that through its pavilion, Bahrain intends to spotlight its unique geographical location as a historical maritime crossroads in the Gulf Region. This geographical advantage has been instrumental in shaping Bahrain's rich culture, ancient civilization, and distinct economic strengths. His Excellency also noted the significant synergy between various sectors in Bahrain – both public and private – working in harmony to represent the Kingdom in the most exemplary manner. Additionally, he underscored the crucial role of Expo Osaka as a platform for worldwide communication and collaboration, ultimately serving the greater good of humanity.
The Expo will take place in the Osaka-Kansai region of Japan from April 13 to October 13, 2025, under the theme "Designing Future Society for our Lives". The three sub-themes are "Saving Lives", "Empowering Lives", and "Connecting Lives". Organizers expect over 28 million visitors to explore contributions from around 150 countries. The Expo will feature various events, providing opportunities for people to connect and exchange knowledge for the betterment of humanity.
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Press release and images courtesy of Lina Ghotmeh—Architecture
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