The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) successfully concluded the ‘Pillars of Arish: Architecture in Transition’ symposium at Expo 2025 Osaka–Kansai, organised in partnership with the UAE Pavilion and supported by the Dubai Cultural Grant Programme. This landmark event reinforced the UAE’s commitment to blending heritage with innovation, highlighting sustainable architectural practices rooted in Emirati traditions.
Embracing Tradition and Innovation Through Architecture
Aligned with the UAE Pavilion’s theme, ‘From Earth to Ether’, the symposium delved into the evolution of UAE architecture, focusing on local design methods, material innovation, and the cultural exchange between the UAE, Japan, and other nations. The event underscored the importance of traditional knowledge—especially through the use of Arish structures made from palm fronds—as foundations for context-sensitive, sustainable urban solutions.
Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, emphasised the pavilion’s role as a platform to express the UAE’s forward-looking vision while celebrating its rich heritage. She said, “The UAE Pavilion reflects our country’s ambition to showcase cultural identity and inspire innovation through heritage.” She added that the event also highlighted Dubai’s supportive ecosystem for cultural and creative industries and emerging entrepreneurs, promoting their ideas on a global stage.
Diverse Sessions Explore Architecture, Sustainability, and Cultural Exchange
Curated by architects Salem AlSuwaidi and Rashed AlMulla, the symposium featured ten sessions addressing themes such as:
- The impact of Japanese architecture on Gulf regional identity
- Connections between vernacular traditions and modern heritage
- Challenges and opportunities for UAE architectural firms
- Sustainable design education initiatives like Zayed University’s LIMASS program
- Cultural synergies between Japanese and Emirati architecture
- The transformation from traditional Arish homes to modern villas
- Sustainable irrigation systems like the aflaj
- Innovative sustainable solutions in large-scale UAE projects
- Revitalisation of heritage sites including Dubai’s Al Shindagha Museum
The event fostered a rich dialogue on sustainability, craftsmanship, and design’s role in cultural continuity.
UAE Delegation Engages in Cultural Exchange and Inspiration
The Dubai Culture delegation, led by Hala Badri and senior officials, toured international pavilions and cultural landmarks in Osaka and neighbouring cities. The group visited iconic sites such as the National Museum of Art, Asahi Broadcasting Corp. headquarters, and the works of architect Tadao Ando. Twelve UAE-based architects and creative professionals took part, deepening their understanding of Japanese architectural philosophy and sustainability.
Participants expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative opportunities and fresh perspectives gained. Salem AlSuwaidi noted the importance of connecting creatives globally, while Rashed AlMulla highlighted the dialogue sparked between UAE and Japanese design communities. Architect Ahmed Bukhash described the tour as inspiring, offering new ideas for spatial planning and creative practice in the UAE.
Advancing a Sustainable and Culturally Rich Architectural Future
The symposium and cultural exchange underscored Dubai Culture’s mission to nurture a sustainable creative ecosystem that honours tradition while embracing modernity. The event also showcased the UAE’s dedication to strengthening its global cultural footprint and fostering innovation in architecture and design.
As Expo 2025 Osaka continues, Dubai Culture’s initiatives demonstrate how the UAE is shaping the future of architecture by weaving together heritage, sustainability, and cross-cultural collaboration.