DCT Abu Dhabi Named The UAE Pavilion’s Official Partner-Custodians Of Culture At Expo 2025 Osaka

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has been named the Official Partner-Custodians of Culture of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, taking place in Japan between 13 April and 13 October 2025. Under the partnership, DCT Abu Dhabi has curated a vibrant and engaging cultural programme that showcases the rich heritage, authentic creativity, and forward-looking vision of the United Arab Emirates.

Developed by DCT Abu Dhabi’s Culture Sector and aligned with the theme for Expo 2025 Osaka, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”, the programme presents a powerful cultural offering that connects Emirati traditions with Japanese and global innovation, reaching an anticipated 28.2 million visitors.

A central element of DCT Abu Dhabi’s presence is the House of Artisans, celebrating and preserving intangible heritage. Through live demonstrations, interactive workshops, and collaborative art experiences, visitors can witness the mastery and stories behind traditional Emirati crafts like Sadu and Khoos weaving. Inspired by the theme of the UAE Pavilion, “Earth to Ether”, which reflects the country’s ongoing journey from deeply rooted cultural heritage to a future driven by innovation and exploration, the House of Artisans also features a striking installation called “Interstellar Voyage”, using Khoos techniques.

His Excellency Shihab Al Faheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, commented:“At Expo 2025 Osaka, we are proud to feature the UAE’s living heritage as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and collective progress across key sectors, including space exploration, sustainability and healthcare. Through our partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, we are enriching our narrative of weaving tradition with the future, bridging the UAE and Japan through shared values of craftsmanship, creativity, and progress. As we welcome millions of visitors, this cultural programme will invite the world to experience our Emirati heritage, both tangible and intangible, and the ambition of our vision — shaped by openness, curiosity, and a collective journey from Earth to Ether, inspiring generations to come.”

His ExcellencySaood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi,said: “As the Official Partner – Custodians of Culture of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, it is a privilege to showcase the richness of Emirati heritage and demonstrate our history, traditions and sustainable progress on the world stage. As the UAE builds on the legacy of hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, we are driven by a belief in the power of culture and creativity to shape a better future. In collaboration with our partners, the UAE Pavilion will provide a platform to share our culture with the world, telling a story that bridges cultures, deepens global understanding and inspires future generations.”

In addition to the House of Artisans, DCT Abu Dhabi is also presenting traditional performances of Al-Ayyala and Al-Razfa, welcoming visitors with a captivating display of Emirati artistry. Visitors can also explore the art of Emirati perfume mixology, blending traditional scents like oud, rose, and saffron to create personalised fragrances.

Over the event’s six-month duration, the UAE Pavilion will include sustainable technology forums, healthcare dialogues, youth empowerment activities, and discussions on space exploration and technological innovation, with each experience reflecting how tradition drives innovation. To ensure maximum impact and engagement, DCT Abu Dhabi’s cultural programme will be strategically featured during key periods of Expo 2025 Osaka, including the opening weeks, UAE National Day celebrations, and the closing weeks.

Participation at Expo 2025 Osaka aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to position culture as a pillar of sustainable development, national identity, and global influence, while supporting the UAE’s broader diplomatic and economic engagement with Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.