The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has won a Gold award at the iF Design Award 2026, recognising its interior architecture and exhibition design.
The pavilion was selected from more than 11,000 entries worldwide, with only a limited number receiving the top distinction.
The award was given in the Interior Architecture – Trade Fairs and Temporary Exhibitions category. The iF Design Award, organised by iF International Forum Design GmbH, is considered one of the established global benchmarks for design quality.
Pavilion concept
The UAE Pavilion was built around the theme “Earth to Ether”, presenting the country’s development as a link between heritage and future innovation. The design combined architecture, landscape and visitor experience into a single journey shaped by materials, light and storytelling.
A key feature of the structure is a series of ninety palm rachis columns, rising up to 16 metres, forming a shaded space within the Expo site. Traditional materials were used alongside modern construction methods in collaboration with Japanese craftsmanship.
His Excellency Shihab Alfaheem, Ambassador of the UAE to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion, said: “This recognition reflects the strength of the Pavilion’s design approach and the collaboration that shaped it. The Pavilion brought together partners across disciplines and geographies to create a space where architecture, material and guest experience could come together with purpose. It is encouraging to see this work recognised in a way that acknowledges both the design intent and the experience it created for visitors. We are proud to have taken five million visitors on a splendid journey to the UAE’s past and future through this pavilion.”
Visitor numbers
During the event, the pavilion attracted more than five million visitors, making it the most visited national pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
The pavilion has also received other international recognition, including being ranked among the top three national pavilions for architecture and landscape by the Bureau International des Expositions. It also won awards for staff performance and sustainable design, along with recognition at the DFA Design for Asia Awards and the German Design Award.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
