The Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka | Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture

Project team

General Commissioner: Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa

Deputy General Commissioner: Noura Al Sayeh-Holtrop

Pavilion Director: Dana Abdulghani

Operation & Project Director: Mustafa Al Sulaiman

Content Development & Interpretation: Shaikha Mariam Al Khalifa

Operations & Programming: Dana Noor / Zain Al Bastaki

Content Coordination: Mohamed Askar / Abduljabbar Abdulsamad

Architect of Pavilion & Creative Director: Lina Ghotmeh / Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture

Exhibition Design: Shepherd Studio

Graphic Design and Branding: Quby Creative Consultants

Creative Direction for Food: Tala Bashmi

Fashion Designer: Lulwa Al Amin

AV Design & Production: La Méduse

AV Engineer: XYZ

Film: Bader Altaranja

Operator: Templix

Contractor: Magara Construction Co.

Local Support / Execution Architects: A-Morf Architects

Structural Engineer: Umezawa Structural Engineers

Structural Engineer Consultant (Schematic Design Stage): Bollinger + Grohmann

MEP Engineer: Ura Building Research Institute

Lighting Consultant: Architecture Lighting Group (ALG)

The Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is a testament to sustainability, cultural exchange, and craftsmanship. Inspired by Bahraini maritime heritage and Japanese carpentry, its open, dhow-like form evokes the vessels that once navigated Eastern Arabia and East Africa, symbolizing travel and interconnectedness. Constructed from around 3,000 pieces of unengineered wood using intricate joinery, it minimizes waste, requires no additional materials, and rests on minimal foundations to avoid concrete bedding, ensuring nearly all materials are reusable.

Positioned along the seashore, the pavilion invites visitors on a sensory-rich journey through Bahrain’s deep connection to the sea, where tradition and innovation merge seamlessly. Its lightweight timber structure highlights both Bahraini craft and Japanese wood artistry, creating an immersive space that awakens the senses. Passive cooling through natural ventilation reduces energy use, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable design.

Aligned with the theme “Empowering and Connecting Lives,” the pavilion explores how the sea shapes Bahrain’s future as a forward-looking economy and a hub of innovation. More than just an architectural landmark, it embodies an optimistic vision where past wisdom guides the path toward a sustainable and fulfilling future.