Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is set to present a landmark symposium, Pillars of Arish: Architecture in Transition, at Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai. This initiative, held in partnership with the UAE Pavilion and supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant, highlights the UAE’s evolving architectural identity while fostering global cultural exchange through dialogue and design.
A Platform for Architectural Dialogue
Running from 20 to 21 May, the symposium will convene UAE-based architects, designers, and cultural professionals in Osaka to reflect on the nation’s architectural evolution. Curated by Salem AlSuwaidi, Founder of SWALIF Collective, and Rashed AlMulla, Founder of MABNAI, the programme blends tradition with innovation—focusing on climate-responsiveness, vernacular design, and sustainability as defining features of Emirati architecture.
Held under the wider theme of Architecture in Transition, the event will address how cultural identity is expressed through design, offering keynotes and panel discussions around architectural materiality, ecological integration, education, and enterprise.
As part of Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy, the symposium reinforces the city’s commitment to becoming a global centre for culture and a dynamic hub for creative industries.
From Dubai to Osaka: A Cultural Exchange
Before the symposium, from 16 to 19 May, a curated group of 12 UAE-based and regional architects will embark on a cultural and architectural tour of Osaka and surrounding cities. Among them are Ahmad Bukhash, designer of The Good Place Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, and Fatima AlSuwaidi from the UAE Ministry of Culture. The delegation also includes award-winning architects, academics, and urban planners such as Ahmed Al Ali, Fatima AlZaabi, Lina Ahmed, and Reem Al Qamzi.
Participants will explore architectural icons including the National Museum of Art, Umeda Sky Building, and teamLab Botanical Gardens. The tour also pays tribute to Japan’s most celebrated architect, Tadao Ando, through visits to several of his masterpieces: Kyoto Garden of Fine Arts, Honpukuji Water Temple, and Yumebutai. These site visits provide a rich comparative context for exploring material innovation, minimalism, and spiritual architecture—key themes echoed in the symposium.
Shaping Global Creative Narratives
Shaima Rashed AlSuwaidi
CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture
Shaima Rashed AlSuwaidi, emphasised the broader mission behind the UAE’s participation:
“At Dubai Culture, we champion the role of arts and design as catalysts for cultural dialogue and creative diplomacy. By showcasing our talent on global platforms, we foster meaningful connections that drive lasting cultural exchange.”
She added, “This engagement strengthens ties with cultural institutions worldwide, fuels growth in the creative economy, and ensures that Emirati and UAE-based participants contribute to global architectural discourse. The symposium becomes a dynamic arena for cross-cultural dialogue, positioning Dubai as a beacon of creativity and innovation.”
The UAE Pavilion, located in the Expo’s Empowering Lives zone and themed From Earth to Ether, reflects the nation’s values and future vision. It celebrates the UAE’s leadership in space exploration, healthcare, and sustainability—framing architecture as a powerful narrative tool for identity, cooperation, and human progress.