OSAKA: Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani and Chairperson of Qatar Museums HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani inaugurated the State of Qatar's pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka, held in Japan from April 13 until Oct 13.
The inauguration was attended by high-level officials, marking the beginning of Qatar's participation in this six-month global event of culture, innovation, and cultural exchange.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan and Commissioner-General of the Qatar Pavilion at the Expo HE Jaber bin Jarallah Al Marri, Deputy Commissioner-General and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for Qatar's Participation at the Expo HE Sheikh Ali bin Alwaleed Al Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO) Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al Thani, along with a number of senior officials and guests.
Qatar's pavilion is being held under the theme 'From the Coastline, We Progress,' taking visitors on an interactive journey that tells the story of Qatar's evolution from a close-knit coastal community to a modern nation pioneering sustainable development and innovation.
Since the Expo opened to the public, the Qatar Pavilion has been widely visited, becoming one of the most visited pavilions at the Expo, reflecting the strong interest in the Qatari pavilion and its content. The pavilion has received approximately 8,000 visitors to date.
On this occasion, Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani said that this year's Expo theme, 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives,' is not just a theme; it is a call to shoulder collective responsibility towards building a more sustainable and prosperous world. In the State of Qatar, this responsibility is reflected in Qatar's National Vision 2030, which guides the efforts towards comprehensive development and a sustainable future.
He added that the Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2025 embodies this ambitious vision, telling the story of the country's development from its rich maritime heritage to innovation and technological advancement in a journey that blends authenticity with ambition for the future.
Chairperson of Qatar Museums Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani said that, for centuries, the people of Qatar have drawn their strength and meaning from their coast. This vital interplay between land and sea has inspired Qatar's culture and heritage, provided its livelihoods, and helped transform the Qataris' beloved homeland into what it is today: a global beacon of trade and diplomacy. The people of Qatar are proud to share these experiences with an international audience at Expo 2025 Osaka.
She congratulated Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan and Commissioner-General of the Qatar Pavilion at the Expo Jaber bin Jarallah Al Marri and Deputy Commissioner-General and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for Qatar's Participation at the Expo Sheikh Ali bin Alwaleed Al Thani. She also thanked the outstanding design teams at Kengo Kuma & Associates and OMA*AMO.
Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan and Commissioner-General of the Qatar Pavilion at the Expo Jaber bin Jarallah Al Marri welcomed guests to the opening ceremony of the Qatar Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, praising the event as a symbol of innovation, culture, and unity. The pavilion reflects Qatar's commitment to human development and strong bilateral relations with Japan, rooted in more than 50 years of cooperation and friendship. He emphasized that visitors are invited to explore Qatar's journey from heritage to modernity, reflecting the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Deputy Commissioner-General and Chairman of the Preparatory Committee for Qatar's Participation at the Expo Sheikh Ali bin Alwaleed Al Thani said that they are proud to highlight the efforts made by the State of Qatar to achieve a balance between preserving heritage and driving development, through the implementation of the National Vision 2030, which sets a sustainable path towards the future, based on innovation and the development of human capabilities. Qatar invites the world to discover how the country has succeeded in transforming its natural resources into contributions of global value while preserving its cultural authenticity and national identity.
The pavilion is divided into two main areas: "sea" and "land." Through informative interactive exhibits, it showcases Qatar's natural and cultural history, its urban and economic achievements, and its environmental and community initiatives.
The pavilion also includes a dedicated area for official visitors celebrating the strong cultural ties between Qatar and Japan, including a display of the "friendship charter," along with cultural activities highlighting the depth of the historical relationship between the two countries.
The pavilion was designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who drew inspiration from traditional Qatari dhow sails and the Japanese "Kigumi" wood-building technique, embodying the harmony between the two cultures through light, water, and natural materials.
Qatar's participation in this international event affirms its commitment to promoting cultural cooperation and innovation and highlighting its future vision based on a balance between authenticity and progress, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.