Saudi Arabia unveiled its pavilion design and logo for Expo 2025 Osaka, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.
The unveiling took place at a Saudi-hosted Cultural Gala dinner at Osaka's River Dojima Forum, held under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud.
The event, held on the sidelines of the Expo 2025 Osaka International Participants Meeting in Osaka, was attended by Mayor of Osaka Hideyuki Yokoyama and government delegates from Japan, Saudi Arabia, and officials from other Expo 2025 Osaka participant countries.
The Saudi Pavilion design and logo showcase the Kingdom's storied history. A journey from the culture, traditions and values that form the foundation of Saudi Arabia's identity, right through to the Kingdom's forward-looking transformation today, championing a better future for the world.
Saudi Arabia's participation at Expo 2025 Osaka builds on the long-lasting relationship between Japan and Saudi Arabia and the Cultural Gala celebrated increased investment, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.
Vice Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Executive Committee for Saudi Arabia at Expo 2025 Osaka Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez said: “With diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan first officially established in 1955, and the launch of Expo 2025 Osaka marking 70 years of official relations, the two nations share deep cultural traditions. Our heritage is both rooted in hospitality, generosity, a sense of community and a deep respect for others.”
“As Saudi Arabia progresses ahead with Vision 2030, fostering economic diversification and cultural exchange, we look forward to celebrating our shared values at Expo 2025 Osaka,” he added.
The pavilion's design was curated by leading architects Foster + Partners, signifying a celebration of the Saudi and Japanese relationship through heritage and architecture. The sustainable design pays tribute to Saudi Arabia's natural environment, blending the shapes of the desert with modern architectural elements, symbolizing a connection between historical legacy and future advancements.
With a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, the design incorporates features to lower carbon emissions, uses energy-efficient lighting, implements rainwater harvesting, and is equipped with solar panels to produce clean energy.
The identity of Saudi Arabia at Expo 2025 Osaka was revealed through an innovative logo that seamlessly blends the word "Saudi" in the aesthetic of Japanese script within the Kingdom's map, depicted through Arabic calligraphy in a style reminiscent of Japanese penmanship. The unveiling of the logo complemented the architectural design of the pavilion.
CEO of the Architectural Arts and Design Commission Dr. Sumayyah Al-Sulaiman said: "The Saudi Arabia pavilion represents the harmony between Saudi and Japanese cultures, narrating a story of human spirit and innovation. This architectural feat showcases a commitment to authenticity, continuity, human-centric design, livability, and technological advancement while highlighting a firm dedication to sustainable practices."
Commissioner General for Saudi Arabia - Expo 2025 Osaka Othman Almazyad said: "Saudi Arabia's partnership with Japan paints a picture of an ambitious horizon. Building on our like-minded visions, the Kingdom's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka reveals a nation undergoing an ambitious transformation - celebrating its rich traditions while embracing modern transformations. Today is an opportunity to demonstrate how the pavilion design embraces our shared journey, rooted in deep cultural heritage aimed at a progressive, inclusive future."
For nearly a century, Saudi Arabia and Japan have maintained a strategic partnership with both nations charting a path of mutual prosperity and the Gala dinner in Osaka recognized ever-growing economic ties.
Building on the transformative program of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 program, the joint Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 initiative, first signed in 2016, formalized multiple areas of economic convergence, with a rise in investments between the two nations since the agreement was signed, and multiple sectoral areas identified as priorities to build bilateral ties. The strategy bolsters both nations' strengths, underscoring a commitment to fostering innovation and heralding a new era of partnership.
