The Kingdom returns to the World Expo for a fourth time with a sensory exhibition that ties tradition to forward-looking design.

Bahrain has inaugurated its national pavilion for its fourth World Expo, now underway in Osaka, Japan, under the theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’. Organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), the national pavilion, ‘Connecting Seas’, reflects Bahrain’s historical connection to the sea, drawing inspiration from the island’s seafaring heritage and traditional dhow construction, integrating Japanese joinery techniques.

Expo 2025 Osaka, which runs until October 13, is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors, with contributions from around 160 countries.

“Participating in the Expo for the fourth consecutive time provides us with a vital global stage to showcase our nation’s cultural achievements and solidify Bahrain’s position as a leading hub of innovation, culture and a dynamic, advanced economy,” said His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of BACA and Commissioner General of the Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

Set in the ‘Empowering Lives’ zone, the 995sq/m and 13.7m four-level Bahrain pavilion is designed by Paris-based Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh. Made from wood and cooled by coastal winds, it’s one of the Expo’s most sustainable structures. With an open, dhow-like form, it is constructed from around 3,000 pieces of unengineered wood using intricate joinery, allowing for natural ventilation and minimal waste, with nearly all materials being reusable.

Inside, the pavilion can be experienced through five sensory zones, featuring collaborations with Bahraini design company Shepherd Studio, French multimedia studio La Méduse, as well as local and international artists, including smell artist Sissel Tolaas and artist composer Hassan Hujairi. A separate section, curated by the Economic Development Board, highlights Bahrain’s strategic location and global standing as an open economic centre with an investment-friendly environment. A café helmed by Chef Tala Bashmi offers a menu combining Bahraini flavours with Japanese ingredients, while a gift shop and staff uniforms by Bahraini fashion designer, Lulwa Al Amin, reflect local design and heritage.

As part of the Kingdom’s contribution to the Expo, a special edition McLaren F1 helmet is also on display at the pavilion. Unveiled at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix and worn by McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, the helmet was designed and produced in Bahrain, blending Bahraini craftsmanship with innovation. Its design draws inspiration from traditional Japanese sumi-e ink paintings, symbolising the longstanding ties between the two countries. ✤

GO: VISIT BAHRAINPAVILION2025.BH OR FOLLOW @CULTUREBAH AND @BAHATEXPO ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.