Dubai Customs showcases innovation and heritage on cultural tour of Japan Expo pavilions

As part of its efforts to promote cultural and knowledge exchange, a delegation from Dubai Customs, represented by the Women’s Committee, made an official visit to the Japan Expo 2025 in Osaka. The visit aimed to explore leading global experiences in innovation, sustainability, and national identity, as well as to strengthen international relations and share expertise.

The tour included visits to several distinguished international pavilions, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Italy, and Thailand. Through these visits, the delegation was able to learn about pioneering initiatives presented by these countries across key sectors.

One of the highlights was the UAE pavilion, where the delegation was welcomed by Maryam Salem Al Mamari, Head of the UAE Expo Office in Osaka. She provided a detailed overview of the pavilion, titled "From Earth to Ether," which reflects the UAE’s vision of blending cultural heritage with future aspirations. The pavilion focuses on four main themes: innovation, sustainability, healthcare, and space exploration. This balance between past and future offers visitors a unique, immersive experience.

The pavilion’s design draws inspiration from the palm tree and traditional Emirati arish (palm frond shelters), featuring 90 columns crafted from agricultural palm waste. It is divided into five thematic zones, allowing visitors to engage with multi-sensory exhibits that include visual and auditory experiences as well as digital media. The journey concludes with a moving documentary titled "Woven Legacies," telling contemporary Emirati stories and highlighting the role of innovators and leaders in shaping the nation’s future.

Cultural programs and interactive experiences

The experience extended beyond exhibits, featuring over 40 public programs including workshops, artistic performances, and interactive talks. Visitors could also participate in traditional crafts workshops, such as sadu weaving and palm weaving, led by Emirati craftswomen known as the "Mothers of the Emirates," offering a hands-on engagement with authentic Emirati heritage.

At the end of the tour, Maryam Khalifa Al Shamsi, Head of the Women’s Committee at Dubai Customs, expressed her admiration for what she witnessed: "Our participation in Japan Expo has been a rich and inspiring experience. It gave us the opportunity to explore global models in innovation and sustainability. The UAE pavilion stood out as a remarkable stop, showcasing deep cultural heritage alongside a forward-looking vision. It truly embodies the spirit of the UAE in progress and identity."