Expo 2025 Osaka: A Wanderer’s Guide to the Middle East & North Africa
Our journey continues westward to the Arabian Gulf, where desert kingdoms and coastal medinas whisper the legacy of a civilisation that is long overshadowed, yet integral to the making of the modern world.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★★
Inspired by the image of Myaku-Myaku riding Hokusai’s Great Wave — part of the Expo 2025 Osaka stamp rally — I turned to AI to bring this vision to life. It now sets the scene for part two of A Wanderer’s Guide, where the Expo’s whimsical mascot drifts beyond Japan, journeying into the heart of the Middle East.
OSAKA, Japan — In Expo 2025 Osaka: A Wanderer’s Guide to Asia, Oceania & Central Asia, I featured nearly a dozen pavilions in the hopes of taking you on a journey through this global celebration — one that runs until October this year.
Now, in part two of this wanderer’s guide, we venture westward — where desert kingdoms and coastal medinas whisper stories of a civilisation long overshadowed, yet deeply woven into the making of the modern world.
This section carries us through the heart of the Middle East — from the golden dunes of the Arabian Peninsula to the sacred lands of the Levant — before drawing to a close in the Maghreb, North Africa, where the ancient hymns of pharaohs and the hypnotic melodies of the imzad, a single-stringed fiddle played by Tuareg women, echo across distant sands.
Having explored Asia, let’s continue our adventure. Once again, no passport or visa required — just an open mind, and a bit of that wanderer’s spirit.
If you’re ready, let us begin!
Middle East
North Africa
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Pavilion
Palm trees greet you outside the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, instantly transporting you to the landscapes of the Kingdom. Having visited Saudi Arabia earlier this year, I’m curious to see what treasures I might find here.
The pavilion’s facade resembles a cracked turtle shell — or perhaps the parched surface of desert earth, awaiting the blessing of rain. Inside, you step into a courtyard surrounded by five thematic galleries, each offering a peek into the Kingdom’s rich heritage. It’s no surprise the pavilion won Gold in the Cultural Architecture — Interactive and Experiential Spaces category at the New York Architectural Design Awards.
The journey begins at the Cultural Visual Arts Studio — my personal favourite. Here, Arabic calligraphy, often regarded as the highest art form in the Islamic world, takes centre stage. Silkscreen and wood pieces by contemporary artist Nasser Al Salem are on display. As a practitioner of Arabic calligraphy myself, I’m delighted to enter this space. It’s not just a gallery — it’s a working studio, where new creations are produced and featured in the pavilion’s nightly show.
Next is the Cultural Music Studio, where Saudi artists present works inspired by the theme “Scores for Time Travellers.” Among them is Red Sea Dance by Ahmed Fakeih, an immersive sound-and-visual composition. The music floats between traditional Middle Eastern rhythms and the pulse of the African jungle, evoking tarab (طرب) — that ecstatic, soul-stirring state induced by music.
In the Evolving Cities gallery, you explore the breadth of Saudi heritage — from Al-Balad in Jeddah to AlUla, both of which I’m lucky to have visited a few months ago. The journey then shifts to the future with a spotlight on NEOM, the Kingdom’s visionary urban development project.
Near the end of the experience, you encounter a short film titled Unlimited Human Potential, where Saudi snowboarders, golfers, surfers, and footballers represent a new generation ready to take on the world. It’s so well produced that I end up watching it twice.
Tips for wanderer — Don’t miss the Evolving Night Show, a light-and-sound performance held nightly from 19:30 to 20:40 in the courtyard, featuring the Kingdom’s leading contemporary artists. I missed it — don’t make the same mistake. Check the official schedule and plan ahead!
Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆
🇰🇼 Kuwait Pavilion
Nestled next to the bamboo slip-inspired China Pavilion, Kuwait’s pavilion makes an impression with its streamlined roof — two sweeping wings that seem to catch the wind, rising in a gesture of freedom.
Even the waiting area sets the tone: traditional Kuwaiti costumes are illustrated on the mirror, allowing visitors to “try them on” through their reflection. Inside, you’re greeted by a giant pearl suspended mid-air, its surface becoming a canvas for projections inspired by Kuwait’s past and imagined future. The present? It’s you — your reflection in the pearl. I found myself waving, as though to someone on the other side.
One of my favourite is Dawn in the Desert — a room that invites deeper engagement. A pool of Kuwaiti desert sand encourages touch, while curated objects speak to Kuwait’s historic role in global trade.
A hidden gem is the inner courtyard — a calm oasis where visitors can pause and reset, a gesture that subtly mirrors Kuwait’s tranquil desert landscapes.
Interactive media shine throughout the pavilion, especially in the People & Children gallery, which might be the most child-friendly space I’ve seen across the 120 pavilions I’ve visited. There’s even a built-in slide — and yes, I saw adults taking a turn too.
The experience culminates in Visionary Lighthouse, housed under a dome. Here, you whisper a wish into a microphone. Your voice transforms into a shooting star, projected in real-time into the cosmos above. As more wishes join yours, the stars connect into constellations — forming a shared vision of the future.
Tips for wanderer — As soon as you enter Visionary Lighthouse, head straight to an interactive station, as they’re limited. After making your wish, lie back and watch the stars gather and align.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★★
🇧🇭 Bahrain Pavilion
Located just east of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain — an island nation — presents a pavilion themed Connecting Seas, a tribute to its name: Al-Bahrayn, meaning “two seas.” As I’ve learned, the name refers to the coexistence of freshwater springs and the salty waters of the Arabian Gulf — springs that once made the island fertile and habitable, and around which early settlements grew.
You’d be surprised to learn that ancient Dilmun seals found in Bahrain point to long-distance connections with the Indus Valley civilisation in India — a powerful reminder that this small island once stood at the crossroads of ancient worlds.
The exterior resembles an unfinished wooden structure. On closer look, it reveals itself as a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Bahraini dhow boats — blending Arabic maritime heritage with Japanese woodworking aesthetics.
Even the logo in Arabic is rich with symbolism — its calligraphic strokes contain references to the dhow’s sails, flowing waves, and the sea itself, capturing Bahrain’s deep-rooted maritime identity.
Inside, visitors journey through curated exhibits that explore the Kingdom’s legacy — most notably, its renowned pearling history. For centuries, the oyster beds off Bahrain’s northern coast produced some of the world’s most lustrous natural pearls, highly prized for their brilliance and rarity. By the 19th century, Bahrain had become the heart of the Gulf’s pearling economy, with roughly 80% of the region’s fleet setting sail from its shores.
After the exhibition, I pause for a light snack at the cafe, where its menu is curated by award-winning Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi. I order the mathrooba croquettes and a slice of date cake — and instantly, I’m reminded of the mathrooba I had at a Bahraini restaurant in Saudi Arabia. I had been missing that taste.
Tips for wanderer — The gift shop offers handmade palm paper and other lovely finds. I have my eye on the book Bahrain Crafts, though it isn’t available for purchase just yet.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆
🇶🇦 Qatar Pavilion
Much like its Gulf neighbours, Qatar’s pavilion draws inspiration from the traditional dhow boat. A wooden frame cloaked in sail-like white fabric hovers above a pool of water, giving the impression of a vessel afloat — a tribute to both Qatar’s and Japan’s shared seafaring heritage.
As you wait in line, look up: above you, rigging and sails make you feel like you’re aboard a vessel. Look to the side, and you’ll find verses by Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani and Ahmed bin Hassan Al-Muhannadi, capturing the riches of the sea.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a row of glass tubes, each filled with Qatari sand in varying shades — a simple yet powerful evocation of the country’s coastal landscape.
Inside, the exhibition From the Coastline, We Progress takes you on a journey across time, following the rhythms of the sea along Qatar’s 563-kilometre coastline. The story begins with a remarkable composite map of pearl diving beds and sea depths, based on historic maritime charts from 1824 — offering a peek into Qatar’s nautical past.
At the heart of the experience is a cinematic installation modelled after Qatar’s traditional winter majlis, where visitors watch a film that captures the evolving identity of Qatar — through its land, sea, and people. The space is surrounded by 12 vignettes highlighting key sites, such as Old Doha Port, Khor Al-Udaid, and Al Wakrah. These reveal not just geographic beauty, but also the cultural, ecological, and industrial complexity that shapes life in the country today.
Before you reach the gift shop, you pass through a final display of traditional attire and artefacts — on loan from the National Museum of Qatar. It was a welcome sight, especially since much of the museum remains closed for renovations during my recent visit to Doha.
Tips for wanderer — Visitors who make a purchase at the gift shop are treated to a sweet surprise: a Qatari date.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates Pavilion
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Pavilion is the first one I visit at the Expo — not by design, but simply because it’s the nearest to the entrance and, luckily, there’s no queue.
Inspired by areesh, the traditional Emirati structures woven from palm fronds, the pavilion feels both grounded and expansive, bathed in generous sunlight. Ninety columns — composed of clusters of date palm rachis — soar up to 16 metres high, forming a forest of light and shadow that echoes the pavilion’s theme: Earth to Ether.
If you look closely, many of the rachis columns carry small tags explaining uses of palm fronds in traditional Emirati life: al-mishab, a circular fan used to cool food or stoke a fire; al-jifeer, a basket for fish and dates; al-m’chabba, a food cover; al-surood, a woven mat for dining. Each tag feels like a whisper from the past, drawing you closer to a culture shaped by resilience and resourcefulness.
As I wander through the pavilion, I’m introduced to stories of space explorers, healthcare innovators, and sustainability champions — all woven into the modern identity of the UAE. But I find myself drawn more to the quiet details: the traditional dallah coffee pot, the scent of bukhoor rising from an incense burner, and the display of sand in shifting hues from across the Emirates, each one echoing the diversity of the land itself.
Tips for wanderer — In the gift shop, there’s a small dispenser where you can purchase date palm souvenirs for just 500 yen — beautifully made and full of quiet symbolism.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆
🇴🇲 Oman Pavilion
If poetry were a pavilion, it might look like this.
The Sultanate of Oman Pavilion stands out with its bold, red silhouette — inspired by aflaj, the ancient irrigation systems that have long sustained life in Oman.
Look up as you enter, and you’ll see a glass corridor traversing the ceiling. On rainy days, it becomes a living stream, tracing the movement of water from above — a poetic nod to the pavilion’s theme of water as the lifeblood of sustainability.
The journey begins with a dreamscape brought to life through abstract visuals. Rain falls give rise to a blossoming world filled with flora and fauna — Arabian leopards, oryxes, dolphins, sea turtles, and whales — all conjured through delicate dots and flowing lines. The result is less a nature documentary and more a lyrical meditation. In the main hall, visitors are gathered once again to witness a sweeping visual narrative of Oman’s land, water, and people.
Before you exit, take a slow walk through the tunnel corridor, where poetic verses and proverbs from Oman and Japan line the walls. One verse by Omani poet Zahir Al Ghafri reads: “There is a well that dreams of the garden in every land.” Another, an Omani proverb, whispers: “The rain follows its trace.” A Japanese proverb replies in turn: “Constant dripping wears away the stone.”
The experience is brief, but it lingers like a drop of water on stone, or a quiet line of poetry that follows you home.
Tips for wanderer — The gift shop offers a sweet surprise: frankincense candy handcrafted in Kyoto using hojari frankincense from Dhofar and traditional Japanese kyo-ame techniques passed down for over 300 years.
Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆
🇾🇪 Yemen Pavilion
The Yemen Pavilion, located in the Commons-A, offers a quiet but powerful window into one of the world’s oldest cultural landscapes.
At the entrance, you’re greeted by a selection of bronze vessels, candle holders, pottery, and handwoven baskets — all set against a backdrop of Sana’a-style columns and Hadrami arches. To the side, a message in Musnad — ancient South Arabian script — reads: Peace and greetings to all people.
Step inside, and you’re transported to Yemen’s storied cities: the old quarters of Sana’a and Shibam, the valleys of Hadramawt, and architectural landmarks rendered in intricate miniature. Each display opens a window into a world built with stone, sun, and soul.
The pavilion also showcases traditional Yemeni craftsmanship — from finely carved wooden panels to delicate gypsum motifs, all bearing the geometric elegance and floral rhythm so characteristic of Yemeni design.
But the most memorable experience comes just outside the pavilion. There, a calligrapher offers to inscribe visitors’ names in Musnad, a script that dates back thousands of years. I choose a heart-shaped leather tag, later punched with a hole to become a keychain. I’ve never seen Musnad in use before — and learning that it reads from left to right makes the experience all the more fascinating. That tiny tag becomes one of the most meaningful souvenirs I bring home from the Expo!
Tips for wanderer — If you're lucky, there won’t be a long wait for the calligraphy booth. It takes around 10 minutes to make your custom souvenir and costs 2,000 yen — well worth every penny.
Sense of Wander: ★★★☆☆
🇵🇸 Palestine Pavilion
Sitting quietly in the corner of Commons-D, just next to the Mongolia Pavilion, is the Palestine Pavilion. For me, it’s an unexpected encounter — the first time I find myself this close to Palestine since the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has shaken the world for more than a year and a half.
At the heart of the space stands a towering image of the Dome of the Rock, the world’s oldest surviving example of Islamic architecture, in Jerusalem’s Old City. It’s a place I’ve long wanted to visit, even as its history remains entangled in conflict.
Compared to the grandeur of its Middle Eastern neighbours, the Palestine Pavilion is humble in its presence. Photographs of heritage sites line the walls, and traditional garments are displayed with still dignity.
What moves me most is the embroidery — tatreez, the intricate, symbolic stitching passed down through generations of Palestinian women. Having recently visited Thread Memory: Embroidery from Palestine in Jeddah, I now see these patterns not just as decoration, but as language — each stitch a word, each motif a story of identity, memory, and quiet resistance.
Tips for wanderer — Pavilions in the Commons often have short waits. If it’s crowded, come back later — the space is best experienced in quiet.
Sense of Wander: ★★☆☆☆
🇪🇬 Egypt Pavilion
Having travelled to Egypt in 2023, I know I can’t leave Expo 2025 Osaka without paying a visit to the Egypt Pavilion.
An episode occurs while waiting in the rain for over 40 minutes. Just as it’s about to be our turn, the line is suddenly closed — we’re told to wait for the next round. Disappointed but understanding, I try my luck. In a half-joking tone, I say to the staff in Arabic: “I speak Arabic — any chance we could go in?” To my surprise, the staff member smiles warmly and opens the line, ushering us through. It’s a small moment, but it stays with me.
After a brief introduction, we’re guided into a room with 360-degree projections. The journey begins along the Nile, drifting past the pyramids and ancient Egyptian temples, their mystique rendered in immersive visuals. Hieroglyphs — falcons, scarabs, ducks, and human figures — scatter across the walls like secrets waiting to be deciphered.
Though compact in size, the pavilion covers more than just antiquity. It provides a window into Egypt’s future too — from the Iconic Tower in the country’s new administrative capital to the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which, as of now, still awaits its official opening.
Tips for wanderer — Try a bit of Arabic at the entrance — it might just open doors, literally.
Sense of Wander: ★★★☆☆
🇩🇿 Algeria Pavilion
Bordered by Tunisia to the east and Morocco to the west, Algeria lies in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It’s not only the largest country in Africa, but also in the Arab world and the Mediterranean basin — known for its millennia-old history and sweeping landscapes that stretch from the Sahara to the sea.
Inside the Algeria Pavilion, you’re invited to explore the country’s intangible heritage through its customs, traditions, arts, and crafts. I’m immediately drawn to a display featuring the imzad (إمزاد) — a single-stringed bowed instrument traditionally played by Tuareg women in Algeria, Mali, and Niger. Used in ceremonies and poetic gatherings, the imzad is a vessel for peace and collective memory. Nearby, a set of silver and coral jewellery — bold and radiant — catches my eye.
A panoramic projection guides you through Algeria’s layered history. The journey begins with the prehistoric rock engravings of Tassili n’Ajjer, then moves through waves of civilisation: the warrior horsemen of the Numidian era (202–50 BCE), the grandeur of Roman Algeria in the 2nd century BCE (with remnants in Timgad, Tipasa, Djemila, and Cirta), the Arab expansion in the 7th century, and French colonisation from 1830 to 1962. Each epoch is like a gust of sirocco — the hot wind that sweeps north from the Sahara — leaving behind fragments of memory and legacy.
The journey concludes in present-day Algeria, tracing its post-independence urban landscape and evolving cultural identity.
Tips for wanderer — Queue times for the Algeria Pavilion ebb and flow throughout the day. If you find a crowd, come back later for a quieter visit
Sense of Wander: ★★★☆☆
🇹🇳 Tunisia Pavilion
Tunisia is one of those pavilions that leaves a lasting impression — thanks in part to its beautifully curated journey of sights, sounds, and tastes.
The pavilion’s facade is adorned with delicate, origami-like jasmines, a symbol of pure hospitality and the national flower of Tunisia. Their soft white silhouettes give this North African country a subtle touch of orientalism.
While waiting in line, my eyes are drawn to an artisan outside, calmly shaping small vessels at a pottery wheel — a quiet homage to Tunisia’s craft traditions.
At the entrance, a light installation catches my attention. Tiny LED dots trace Arabic calligraphy across the surface, like a drone light show in miniature. Inside, each room opens up into immersive, 360-degree projections that take you through the history, culture, and legacy of Tunisia.
After the exhibition, I arrive at the cafe, where traditional Tunisian sweets and dishes are served. I order the couscous and kalb el louz — Tunisian almond balls, sweet and fragrant. Diners gather around a giant round table carved from olive wood. Behind me, a mosaic mural quietly tells another story — that of the Echraf Olive Tree, believed to be over 2,500 years old.
Tips for wanderer — At the souk-style gift shop, pause to watch an artisan hand-chiseling intricate motifs into a plate, or have your name written in Arabic by the in-house calligrapher!
Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆