A pergola from the Expo 2025 Osaka UAE Pavilion has been relocated to Tottori Prefecture, where it will continue serving as a public space and a lasting symbol of cultural exchange between the United Arab Emirates and Japan.
Originally positioned at the entrance of the UAE Pavilion, the pergola welcomed millions of visitors, offering a shaded transition space before entering the exhibition. It has now been installed at Tottori Kodomo no Kuni, a children’s facility, allowing it to retain its public function in a new community setting.
Shihab Alfaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion, said the structure was always intended as a space for cultural connection. He noted that gifting the pergola to Tottori ensures it continues to serve as a gathering place, extending the Pavilion’s legacy beyond the Expo.
Shinji Hirai welcomed the installation, highlighting its role in preserving the experience of the UAE Pavilion in Japan and fostering ongoing cultural exchange. He expressed hope that the site would become a community hub for families and children.
Designed as part of the Pavilion’s arrival sequence, the pergola reflects a blend of Emirati and Japanese cultural elements. Its cedar structure draws inspiration from Japan’s architectural traditions, while the shading incorporates patterns influenced by khoos, a traditional Emirati palm-frond weaving craft.
The installation aligns with the Pavilion’s broader design philosophy under the Earth to Ether concept, which explored connections between people, nature, and craftsmanship. The shared environmental characteristics between the deserts of the UAE and the sand dunes of Tottori further reinforce this cultural dialogue.
During Expo 2025 Osaka, the UAE Pavilion attracted more than 5 million visitors, offering an immersive experience centred on heritage, innovation, and future aspirations. The relocated pergola now stands as a physical continuation of that narrative, symbolising enduring friendship and collaboration between the two nations.
