The Kingdom of Bahrain’s national pavilion – titled: Connecting Seas – at Expo 2025 Osaka in the Kansai region of Japan was inaugurated by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Governor of the Southern Governorate, on April 13 – the opening day of the World Expo.

The opening ceremony was attended by 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; and His Excellency Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Al Doseri, the Bahraini envoy to Japan, in addition to a number of senior officials, ambassadors and commissioners general from Gulf and foreign countries, as well as architect Lina Ghotmeh, the designer of the pavilion.

Bahrain’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka is commissioned and organised by BACA and it reflects the Kingdom’s historical connection to the sea, drawing inspiration from the country’s seafaring heritage and traditional dhow construction, integrating Japanese joinery techniques.

During the inauguration, HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa commended the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This comes in light of the significant success achieved by Bahrain’s national pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. His Highness noted that the Bahrain Pavilion’s outstanding participation was distinguished by exceptional organisation and strong public interest, reflecting the Kingdom’s prominent position on the global stage – a point of great national pride.

“Our participation in Expo 2025 Osaka reflects Bahrain’s continued commitment to sharing its cultural identity with the world,” said H.E. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

“This fourth appearance at a World Expo stems from our profound commitment to cultural openness and global dialogue. This commitment is guided by the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the forward-looking policies of the government chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, who continue to place Bahraini culture and its people at the heart of national development.

“From its design to the experience it offers, the pavilion embodies the essence of the Bahraini identity, deeply rooted in our maritime heritage and defined by a long-standing openness to the world. The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities has worked to ensure that every aspect of our participation reflects this – from the initial concept to the visitor journey.”

He concluded by thanking all contributing entities and individuals for their support.

“The success of this pavilion enhances international understanding of Bahrain’s culture and capabilities,” he said.

“It also sends a clear message: through creativity, innovation and public-private collaborations, Bahrain is ready to face global challenges and contribute to shaping a better future for all.”

Her Excellency Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and the CEO of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), added: “Expo 2025 Osaka is a unique opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s dynamic economy.

“As a strategic partner, we look forward to highlighting the Kingdom’s strengths as a competitive, diversified economy and a strategic hub for trade and investment. As we look to the future, Bahrain remains committed to enabling innovation, strengthening global partnerships, and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.”

The pavilion has silver sponsorship from Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat.

Expo 2025 Osaka will run until mid-October and is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors from around the world, with participation from 160 countries.

GO: Visit www.culture.gov.bh or www.bahrainpavilion2025.bh for more information.