Saudi Arabia starts work on Expo 2025 Osaka country pavilion
RIYADH, February 1, 2024
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has started work on its national pavilion at the Expo 2025 Osaka site on Yumeshima Island in Japan, thus becoming one of the first of the nations to do so.
The pavilion design is inspired by the urban formations traditionally found in the country, showcasing the Kingdom’s history, culture, and heritage and complemented by a sustainable design that embodies the country’s transformative plans and commitment to a shared future, said officials of a Saudi delegation led by Othman Almazyad, Commissioner General for Saudi Arabia Expo 2025 Osaka, at the groundbreaking ceremony.
It will feature the latest integrated sustainability technologies throughout, with renewable materials and a reusable structure incorporated to reduce environmental impact.
Speaking at the ceremony, Almazyad said: "The Saudi Arabia Pavilion will showcase the convergence of the unique heritage, traditions, and values that form the foundation of our country’s identity."
"Saudi Arabia is the cradle of an ancient civilization that dates back thousands of years and, testament to Vision 2030, it is rapidly transforming to deliver on our mission of economic and social change that seizes the opportunities of the future and expands its possibilities," stated Almazyad in the presence of Engineer Firas AlTurki, Head of Construction Workstream for the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
"This vision is underpinned by our nation’s steadfast commitment to our natural environment and will be embodied in the pavilion’s structure through adherence to global best practices of sustainable architecture, delivering on the promise of a better tomorrow," he added.
According to him, the building is designed to achieve the highest level of the Japanese green building rating system and the Net Zero Operational Carbon target.
"We are using low-carbon materials, energy-saving technology, rainwater recycling and photovoltaic electricity for the project in addition to flexible design for efficient deconstruction and reassembly in the future," he added.
The ceremony follows the Saudi Arabia Cultural Gala Dinner, hosted in Osaka on November 15, 2023, which was attended by government delegates from Japan, Saudi Arabia, and officials from other Expo 2025 Osaka participant countries to celebrate the launch of Saudi Arabia’s Expo 2025 Osaka Pavilion design and identity.
Officially opening in April 2025, the Osaka Expo will convene over 160 countries and multilateral organizations under the theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, supported by three sub-themes – ‘Saving Lives’, ‘Empowering Lives’ and ‘Connecting Lives.’ Over 28 million people are expected to visit Osaka during the event.-TradeArabia News Service
