OSAKA — Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah, who is also chairman of the Steering Committee for Saudi Arabia's Participation in International Expos, inaugurated on Sunday the Kingdom's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. The Saudi pavilion, which boasts of being the second largest pavilion after the host country's pavilion, offers a fiesta for visitors to explore the Kingdom's rich history, its vibrant present, and its promising future. Deputy Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Kingdom's Participation in International Expos Hamed Fayez; Assistant Minister of Culture Rakan Al-Touq; and Saudi Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner-General of the Kingdom's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Dr. Ghazi Binzagr along with a group of cultural officials and diplomats attended the opening ceremony. The first day witnessed the hoisting of the Saudi flag in the presence of Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Binzagr. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Minister of Culture Prince Badr said: "We are delighted today to inaugurate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, which comes under the theme 'Discover Saudi Arabia.' Through its ambitious design, we highlight the many commonalities and harmony between the Kingdom and Japan." "I take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to the friendly country of Japan for its wonderful organization of Expo Osaka 2025, its generous hospitality, its unlimited cooperation, and its provision of all facilities and support to the Kingdom's pavilion to ensure its success at this international event. This cooperation confirms the distinguished relationship between the Kingdom and Japan, especially on the occasion of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the relationship between the two countries," he said, adding: "I invite you to discover the authenticity of our heritage, our ambitious transformations, and our ancient culture that is open to the world." The Saudi pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka offers a multi-sensory experience focusing on the Kingdom's transformational journey under Vision 2030, highlighting its commitment to enhancing quality of life through innovation and technological modernization. It also offers a spatial experience that reflects the exploration of Saudi cities and villages and embodies the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage. Constructed out of lightweight Saudi stone, the pavilion was designed by renowned architects Foster + Partners to embody the Kingdom's goals of building sustainable and empowering communities. Visitors enter the Saudi Pavilion through a green courtyard filled with plants native to Saudi Arabia, then walk through narrow streets leading to the Saudi Courtyard, the project's vibrant heart. Guests are greeted with a true Saudi welcome, embodied by live performances and visual creations by artists in the courtyard, before embarking on an epic journey of discovery through interactive galleries and immersive experiences. The pavilion features seven rooms and galleries. These include cultural studios designed around concepts of space and time, and innovative experiences that showcase the transformation taking place in the Kingdom. Through the tour, visitors learn about the Kingdom's culture, heritage, transformation, and global impact, from architectural development to borderless potential and limitless innovation. These exhibitions showcase the urban transformation of the Kingdom's cities and its promising projects in the health, space, and energy sectors. Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of the Kingdom's transformation under Vision 2030. The Sustainable Seas exhibition highlights Saudi maritime developments, such as the Coral Reef Restoration Initiative, an innovative project aimed at restoring coral reefs along the Red Sea coast. Finally, visitors pass through the Saudi Souq, a gift shop selling souvenirs and local products, each a testament to Saudi craftsmanship, before sampling traditional dishes from across the Kingdom's 13 regions at Irth Restaurant. The Saudi Pavilion will host over 700 events throughout Expo 2025 Osaka, which started on Sunday, April 13 and will run through until October 13. These events include daily musical and theatrical performances, film screenings, performing arts, and storytelling. During its first six weeks, the pavilion will offer exciting events, including "We Are Saudi Arabia," the Mars Control Center, "Ahlan Wa Sahlan," "Tales of the Sea," business events, fashion weeks, cultural visual arts studios, and cultural music studios. The pavilion also includes a VIP Majlis and a Collaboration Center, providing space for companies and investors to hold meetings and daily networking events.
