His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Governor of the Southern Governorate, inaugurated the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national pavilion “Connecting Seas” on April 13, at Expo 2025 Osaka in the Kansai region of Japan.
The ceremony was attended by Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and Commissioner General of the Bahrain Pavilion, and Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Al Doseri, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Japan, along with senior officials, ambassadors, commissioners general from Gulf and foreign countries, and architect Lina Ghotmeh, designer of the Bahrain Pavilion.
BACA is organising the Kingdom’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka. The pavilion highlights Bahrain’s historical connection to the sea and draws inspiration from its maritime heritage and traditional dhow building, incorporating traditional Japanese joinery techniques.
HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali commended the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, noting the success of Bahrain’s participation through the “Connecting Seas” pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali highlighted the high level of organisation and strong public engagement, reflecting the Kingdom’s advanced standing at major international events and a source of pride.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed said that the opening of Bahrain’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka marks a new milestone in showcasing Bahrain’s cultural presence internationally. He said Bahrain’s fourth participation in a World Expo reflects its approach to cultural openness, guided by the vision of His Majesty the King and the policies of the government led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which have always prioritised Bahraini people and culture in development and investment.
He added that the pavilion, from design to experience, embodies elements of Bahraini identity and maritime heritage, rooted in its openness to the world. He emphasised that the Authority worked to ensure all aspects of the pavilion reflect this spirit, from the initial concept to the visitor’s experience.
He expressed appreciation to all entities and individuals supporting Bahrain’s participation, noting that the success of this effort promotes Bahrain’s culture and potential and sends a clear message that through creativity, innovation and public-private cooperation, Bahrain is ready to face global challenges and contribute to shaping a better future for all.
Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said that Expo 2025 Osaka is an exceptional opportunity to highlight Bahrain’s dynamic economy. As a strategic partner, the Kingdom aims to showcase the strengths of its competitive, diversified economy and its position as a regional and global hub for trade and investment. She added that Bahrain remains committed to fostering innovation, enhancing global partnerships and creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
The “Connecting Seas” pavilion is supported by silver sponsors Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat.
Expo 2025 Osaka will run until mid-October and is expected to attract over 28 million visitors from around the world, with participation from around 160 countries.