OSAKA — Saudi Arabia took center stage at the Expo 2025 Osaka International Participants Meeting with a Cultural Gala dinner held at Osaka's River Dojima Forum. The event, under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Bader Bin Farhan, served as the platform to reveal the pavilion design and logo for Expo 2025 Osaka. Dignitaries, including Mayor of Osaka Hideyuki Yokoyama, and government delegates from Japan and Saudi Arabia, alongside officials from other participating countries, attended the gala that celebrated the enduring relationship between the two nations. The design and logo of the Saudi Pavilion unfold a narrative of the Kingdom's rich history and its forward-looking transformation. From cultural roots and traditions to contemporary advancements, the pavilion symbolizes a commitment to a better global future. The gala underscored the growing ties, marked by increased investment, tourism, and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan. Vice Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Executive Committee for Saudi Arabia at Expo 2025 Osaka, Hamed Fayez, remarked: "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." Architected by leading designers Foster + Partners, the pavilion's sustainable design harmonizes Saudi and Japanese heritage, intertwining the shapes of the desert with modern architectural elements. This union represents a connection between historical legacy and future advancements. The design prioritizes environmental responsibility, incorporating features to lower carbon emissions, energy-efficient lighting, rainwater harvesting, and solar panels for clean energy production. The unveiling of the Expo 2025 Osaka logo, a fusion of "Saudi" in Japanese script aesthetics within the Kingdom's map through Arabic calligraphy, complemented the architectural narrative of the pavilion. CEO of the Architectural Arts and Design Commission Dr. Sumayyah Al-Sulaiman emphasized: "The Saudi Arabia pavilion represents the harmony between Saudi and Japanese cultures, narrating a story of human spirit and innovation." Commissioner General for Saudi Arabia - Expo 2025 Osaka, Othman Almazyad, expressed: "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." The Gala dinner marked the ever-growing economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan, with both nations experiencing mutual prosperity for nearly a century. The event highlighted the transformative initiatives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 program and the joint Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 initiative, reinforcing a commitment to fostering innovation and heralding a new era of partnership.
