UAE pavilion pergola relocation sees Expo 2025 Osaka structure installed in Japan, continuing its role as a shared public space.
ABU DHABI: UAE pavilion pergola relocation marks a continuation of cultural exchange as a key architectural feature from Expo 2025 Osaka finds a new home in Japan. The pergola, originally part of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, has been installed in Tottori Prefecture, where it will serve as a public gathering space.
Previously positioned at the Pavilion entrance, the structure offered shade to millions of visitors. Its relocation to Tottori Kodomo no Kuni allows it to maintain its original purpose within a community-focused environment. This UAE pavilion pergola relocation reflects an effort to extend the Pavilion’s legacy beyond the event itself.
His Excellency Shihab Alfaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion, said the structure was always intended to foster cultural interaction. He noted that the pergola provided visitors with a moment to pause and engage before entering the Pavilion experience.
He added that gifting the structure ensures it continues to serve communities in Japan, preserving its role as a shared space. His Excellency Shinji Hirai welcomed the installation, highlighting the lasting impression of the UAE Pavilion and expressing hope that the pergola will become a gathering place for families.
Designed as part of the Pavilion’s arrival sequence, the structure combines Japanese and Emirati elements. Cedar construction reflects Japan’s architectural traditions, while shading patterns draw inspiration from khoos, a traditional Emirati weaving craft. This blend introduces visitors to a dialogue between two cultures.
The UAE pavilion pergola relocation also reflects environmental parallels, linking Tottori’s sand dunes with the UAE’s desert landscapes. During Expo 2025 Osaka, the Pavilion attracted more than five million visitors, presenting its Earth to Ether theme centred on heritage, people, and future aspirations.
