More than 50 years after first joining a world expo in Japan, the United Arab Emirates is back — and this time, it’s making a statement that’s impossible to ignore.
Opening its national pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, the UAE is telling a story that stretches far beyond technology and tradition. It’s a journey of a young nation that dared to dream big, and turned those dreams into reality — with grit, grace, and ground-breaking ideas.
The UAE’s theme, “Earth to Ether,” captures the essence of its rapid evolution. From deep cultural roots to cosmic aspirations, and from sustainable energy to next-gen healthcare, the pavilion weaves a compelling narrative of progress and pride.
Visitors are invited into a multisensory experience across three immersive zones, each showcasing extraordinary human stories — both Emirati and global. These stories highlight trailblazers in science, medicine, energy, and space, all inspired by a legacy of resilience and a future fueled by innovation.
At the heart of the exhibit stands a powerful lineup of change-makers. Among them is Nawal Al Hosany, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to IRENA, joined by pioneers like Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, a sustainability champion, and Maryam Al Mazrouei, a young renewable energy engineer at Masdar. Together, they reflect the UAE’s bold push toward a greener, smarter planet.
The pavilion also shines a spotlight on tech innovators like Hayk Vasilyan and Maryam Ahmed Hassani, co-founders of Hydro Wind Energy, and AI scientists Martin Takáč and Samuel Horváth from the Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI — all bridging cutting-edge ideas with real-world impact.
Medicine is another area where the UAE is leading with heart and intellect. The stories of Dr. Fatima Al Kaabi from the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre, and Dr. Habiba Al Safar from Khalifa University, show how Emirati talent is changing lives through groundbreaking treatments and technologies.
And, of course, space — the final frontier — features prominently. Emirati astronaut Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, now Minister of State for Youth Affairs, headlines a group of rising stars including Mohsen Al Awadhi from the UAE Space Agency, Nora Al Matrooshi from the UAE Astronaut Programme, and Mouza Almualla, a Harvard PhD student in astrophysics. Their stories spark curiosity and inspire new generations to reach for the stars.
With this powerful presence in Osaka, the UAE isn’t just participating in a global event — it’s leading with purpose, sharing its vision, and reminding the world that big dreams can rise from humble beginnings. This is more than an expo showcase — it’s a celebration of possibility.
