Bahrain’s national pavilion – titled: Connecting Seas – at Expo 2025 Osaka has officially been inaugurated.

This is the fourth time the Kingdom is participating in the World Expo. This year’s edition, held in the Kansai region of Japan, runs until October 13 under the overarching theme Designing Future Society for Our Lives, featuring three sub-themes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, and Connecting Lives.

The Kingdom’s participation has been organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), in partnership with the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB).

Situated in the Empowering Lives zone, the pavilion spans 995 square metres and rises to a height of 13.7 metres across four levels, overlooking the seafront. Designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh and her Paris-based practice Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture, the structure is one of the most sustainable pavilions in the Expo. It reflects Bahrain’s deep-rooted historical connection to the sea and is inspired by the Kingdom’s maritime heritage and Japanese woodworking traditions.

Inside, the pavilion offers an immersive sensory experience through five dedicated zones. The experience is brought to life through collaborations with a range of creative talents, including Bahraini design company Shepherd Studio and Bahraini artist and composer Hassan Hujairi.

A dedicated floor, supervised by the Bahrain EDB, focuses on Bahrain’s future, showcasing the Kingdom’s strategic location and its position as an open, global economic hub attractive to investors.

The pavilion also includes a café curated by Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi, offering a menu that blends authentic Bahraini flavours with modern Japanese culinary techniques. Complementing the experience is a gift shop featuring contemporary products inspired by local heritage. Pavilion staff and volunteers will wear uniforms designed by Bahraini fashion designer Lulwa Al Amin, reflecting the nation’s cultural identity and passion for innovation.

The pavilion represents a broad national collaboration, including Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY), Bahrain Institute for Pearls & Gemstones (DANAT), Bapco Energies, BFG International, Depaj, GFH Financial Group, Midal Cables, and Racing Force Group, with silver sponsorship from Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat.

Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors from around the world, with participation from approximately 150 countries. Each country will also have the opportunity to celebrate its National Day during the Expo, sharing its cultural values and vision with the world.

GO: Visit www.culture.gov.bh/en for more information.