Osaka, Japan – The UAE pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka won the silver award at the 2025 DFA Asia Design Awards.
Organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre, these awards are one of the most prominent regional platforms celebrating design masterpieces across Asia.
It also honors projects that are distinguished by their cultural depth, creative vision, and tangible impact in serving the community.
This honor embodies the established global status of the architectural design of the Emirates Pavilion.
The pavilion was designed by the Earth to Ether Design Group.
To embody an integrated vision that blends architecture, craftsmanship, and storytelling in thoughtful harmony, over six months of inspiring participation.
The design was inspired by the palm tree, with its historical and heritage symbolism.
The pavilion included 90 “Yared” columns, rising up to 16 metres, forming a lush canopy that evokes the tranquility of the Emirati oasis and the warmth of hospitality there.
This architectural language embodied the pavilion’s slogan, “From Earth to Ether”.
It also expressed the UAE’s journey from its rich heritage roots to its ambitious future innovations that lead the path of common progress.
Reverse Emirati heritage
The pavilion’s design drew inspiration from the spirit of traditional Emirati architecture, presenting a sophisticated artistic dialogue with Japanese craftsmanship.
The pavilion highlighted a contemporary treatment of the traditional “Arish” style, by combining it with Japanese carpentry craftsmanship.
To form together a design language that weaves a harmonious relationship between originality and innovation at the same time.
This creative collaboration extended to the perimeter of the outdoor pavilion.
Trees inspired by Japan’s Satoyama natural forests meet the colors and terrain of the UAE’s natural environment.
In an integration that embodies harmony between two cultures that share the values of respect for nature.
Emirati innovation in the use of environmentally inspired materials has enriched the pavilion’s architectural experience.
Materials such as “Det Crete” and “Det Form” made from date pits and palm frond waste were used.
To reflect a design philosophy based on sustainability, innovation, and the aesthetics of employing natural resources in innovative ways.
The pavilion also won the World Expo Award for “Best Team” and a special mention for “Best Sustainable Design.”
The pavilion won the bronze award at the World Expo Pavilion Olympics in the “Best Large Pavilion” category.
