Artisanal Emirati Skills Showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai through Live Heritage Workshops
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Pavilion, situated at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, is a vibrant showcase of the nation's cultural heritage, ambition, and innovative spirit. The pavilion, which opened on April 13 and will run until October 13, 2025, offers a human-centred and multi-sensory experience across thematic zones.
The pavilion, themed "Earth to Ether," symbolises the UAE's journey from its natural heritage to visionary innovation. It bridges UAE and Japanese cultures, with traditional Emirati materials like date palm waste being combined with Japanese woodworking craftsmanship, showcasing a cultural exchange and sustainability dialogue.
Since its opening, the pavilion has welcomed over two million visitors and features a variety of cultural and educational activities, including expert talks, artist exhibitions, creative workshops, culinary demonstrations, and collaborative dialogues promoting shared values and global progress.
One of the highlights of the pavilion is the series of live workshops showcasing traditional Emirati crafts. These workshops, led by artisans from Bait Al Harifeen, focus on three key techniques: Al Sadu, Talli, and Khous.
Al Sadu is a traditional Bedouin weaving technique practised by Emirati women, involving hand-weaving patterns on looms to create textiles. The Maghzal technique, a focus of the Al Sadu weaving workshops, is particularly noteworthy.
Talli is a form of intricate thread embellishment used to decorate garments, typically involving decorative gold or silver threads. Khous, traditional palm frond weaving, reflects the UAE’s historical use of date palm materials for making items like baskets and mats.
These workshops aim to preserve and celebrate Emirati cultural heritage by engaging visitors directly in the craft-making process, offering hands-on learning experiences that highlight the skills, history, and significance of these artisanal techniques. They emphasise sustainability and cultural identity as part of the UAE’s contribution to the Expo's theme of designing a future society.
The Mothers of the Emirates guide these workshops, offering an authentic experience. Visitors can create their own craft-inspired souvenirs at the workshops, further enhancing their connection to Emirati culture.
A large Al Sadu piece is integrated into the Healthcare section of the pavilion, while striking heritage-inspired installations crafted by Bait Al Harifeen serve as a testament to the presence of time-honoured Emirati practices. The presence of these installations further showcases the UAE's commitment to sharing its cultural identity.
The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai is a significant cultural and innovation showcase, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with Emirati heritage and innovation. The live heritage workshops, running until the end of the Expo, serve as live, interactive expressions of Emirati heritage, connecting tradition with global visitors in a meaningful way.
- The UAE Pavilion's live heritage workshops, such as the Al Sadu weaving, Talli thread embellishment, and Khous palm frond weaving, are designed to preserve and celebrate Emirati cultural heritage, encouraging hands-on learning experiences that incorporate sustainability and cultural identity.
- A large Al Sadu piece is prominently displayed in the Healthcare section of the pavilion, symbolizing the integration of Emirati tradition with innovative solutions, while striking heritage-inspired installations from Bait Al Harifeen serve as a testament to the enduring presence of Emirati practices, bridging cultural gaps and fostering global understanding.
- By incorporating traditional Emirati materials like date palm waste and Japanese woodworking craftsmanship, the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025Osaka-Kansai presents a unique blend of cultures and innovative design, offering visitors a glimpse into Emirati lifestyle, home-and-garden, and travel experiences that emphasize cultural ties and environmental awareness, shaping a vision for a sustainable future society.
