The Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion – titled: Connecting Seas – has won the Gold Award for Best Architecture and Landscape in the self-built pavilions under 1,500 sq./m category, as part of the Official Participant Awards presented by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), at Expo 2025 Osaka.

The awards recognise the most outstanding pavilions in design, creativity and sustainability. The announcement was made during the official award ceremony in Osaka, Japan, attended by commissioners general and representatives of participating countries from around the world.

“This award crowns the efforts of Team Bahrain, who worked with dedication to showcase the Kingdom’s vision of merging heritage with innovation,” said His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and Commissioner General of the Bahrain Pavilion.

“It reflects our nation’s standing as a centre of cultural and architectural creativity in the region. We take pride in the Pavilion’s embodiment of sustainable architecture and its role in enriching the visitor experience by offering sensory encounters that reveal Bahrain’s history and civilisational depth.

“I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their continued support of Bahrain’s cultural and artistic advancement.

“I also extend heartfelt thanks to the Pavilion team and all national entities and institutions that contributed to the success of Bahrain’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka. This achievement is the result of the collaborative spirit and collective effort that truly embodies the essence of Bahrain and the creativity of its people.”

Designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh (Lina Ghotmeh – Architecture), the Bahrain Pavilion is built primarily from wood and cooled naturally by the sea breeze, making it one of the most sustainable structures at Expo 2025. It is located in the Empowering Lives zone of the Expo, covering 995 square metres across four levels with a height of 13.7 metres, overlooking the sea.

Visitors are invited to embark on a multi-sensory journey through the Pavilion’s exhibitions, curated by BACA in collaboration with Shepherd Studio, Sissel Tolaas, Hassan Hujairi and La Méduse, exploring themes of connectivity through trade, crafts, manufacture, pearling and ecology. The Pavilion’s visual identity was developed by Quby Creative Consultants.

The Pavilion café offers seasonal menus blending Bahraini and Japanese flavours, curated by award-winning Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi. A dedicated exhibition presented by the Economic Development Board (EDB) highlights Bahrain’s strategic location and role as a global hub for investment.

Staff and volunteers wear exclusive uniforms designed by Bahraini fashion designer Lulwa Al Ameen, featuring prints and embroidery inspired by coastal motifs. The experience is completed with a gift shop offering exclusive design items inspired by local heritage, produced in collaboration with Qirtas.

GO: Visit www.culture.gov.bh or www.bahrainpavilion2025.bh or follow @CultureBah and @bahatexpo on social media for more information.