Expo 2025 officially opened in Osaka, Japan on Sunday April 13.
Slated to take place over the next six months, until October 13, 2025, this year's edition of the Expo 2025 event will aim to create a space for and encourage international exchanges under the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives." Each edition of the World Expo aims to unite people and nations from around the world to explore the shared theme of "life," fostering new connections and creative endeavours while addressing global challenges and promoting a brighter future.
Here is what you can expect when you visit the Saudi Arabian Pavilion at Osaka's Expo 2030:
Experiences at the Saudi Arabian Pavilion
The Saudi Arabian Pavilion focusses on a number of key and pivotal aspects that impact both the Kingdom itself, and the world as a whole. In particular, the Saudi Pavilion will foster conversation around topics such as; Our Culture, Our Future, and Our Global Impact.
Here, for the next six months, Saudi Arabians living in Japan will find a sense of community and a taste of home. Here Saudis will share Saudi Arabia's unique blend of rich history and bold transformation with the world: a culture connection and a focus on creating new possibilities.
Mission Control Mars - As a nation Saudi Arabia continues to actively pursue experiences beyond the earth's atmosphere through a number of celebrated space missions, and international collaborations. The immersive Mission Control Mars experience will allow visitors learn more about Saudi's mission to explore beyond our own planet; this near-future interactive simulation puts visitors in the role of a skilled engineer tasked with furthering scientific discoveries and securing the future of the first Saudi human colony on Mars.
Live Musical & Cultural Performances - Sharing the diverse heritage and culture of Saudi Arabia's regions with the world through live performances of dance, song and poetry, these performances showcase the harmony of culture and art that unifies in national identity and the essence of Saudi culture. Watch as local artisans weave palm fronds into authentic pieces of art, and as talented performers share their talents.
Taste Saudi Arabian Coffee - Indulge your senses in the Irth Cafe, learn more about the rich history behind and the perfect brewing process of traditional Saudi Arabian coffee. A long-standing traditional and cultural experience, during this experience you will learn about the crop cultivation, growing methods and ingredients needed to make the perfect cup.
Cultural Visual Arts Studios - Watch as celebrated Saudi Arabian artists, such as Muhannad Shono create pieces of art in front of your eyes through various mediums, including both modern and ancient techniques; from calligraphy and visually impactful digital art to music.
Learn About Saudi's Pearl Divers - Through a show of dynamic digital projections and display, this performance artfully illustrates the connection between the heritages of Japanese Ama and the Saudi Arabian pearl diving. With the aid of projected imagery, this digital display unveils the dramatic journey of a diver in search of the largest pearl.
Business Collaboration Hub - With the aim to facilitate meaningful dialogue between individuals and businesses, the hub will host a number of discussions and panels on pivotal topics such as investment, sports, sustainability and development. Connecting like-minded people, it is hoped that this hub will be a destination for sharing intriguing insight and exciting opportunities.
How Much Are Tickets for Expo 2025?
Tickets to visit Expo 2025 are now available to purchase online.
Several different ticket types available from Multiple Entry, One-Day Ticket and Group Tickets for example. In addition to these different types of entry, there are also various ticket tiers and pricing tiers available to the public depending on the entrant's age - Adults (18+), Juniors (12 - 17 years) and Children (4 - 11 years). And children below the age of 4 can enter for free.
Early Bird Tickets (available from April 13 - April 26) begin from 1000 Japanese Yen (approximately $7) for children and 4000 Japanese Yen (approximately $28) for adults. Ticket prices then rise to approximately $12 for children, and $47 for adults.
Design of the Saudi Arabian Pavilion
Foster + Partners, the acclaimed UK-based architecture studio, has been increasingly influential in Saudi Arabia, securing contracts for several major design projects across the Kingdom. The firm's portfolio in Saudi already includes the designs for significant developments such as the new Red Sea International Airport, the planned terminal update for Abha Airport, the proposed two-kilometre-high skyscraper in Riyadh, and the recently inaugurated Six Senses Southern Dunes luxury resort in the Red Sea region.
For the 2025 Expo in Osaka, Foster + Partners has designed the Saudi Arabian Pavilion, is set to offer visitors an immersive and spatial experience reminiscent of exploring the Kingdom's historic towns and cities. With tall, traditional Najdi architectural style and mud-brick inspired walls, the pavilion will feature an immersive audio-visual experience, allowing visitors to discover Saudi Arabia's hidden treasures through all the senses.
In line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plans, the pavilion's construction prioritises sustainability, utilising low-carbon materials and incorporating energy-efficient lighting, rainwater recycling, and photovoltaic technologies for electricity generation. Aiming for the highest level in Japan's green building rating system, the Saudi Arabian Pavilion will strive for Net Zero Operational Carbon status.
Furthermore, the design adheres to WELL design principles—balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity/variety — with a focus on enhancing the health and well-being of pavilion visitors and enriching their overall experience.
Riyadh to host Expo 2030
In November 2023, it was confirmed that the Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh had won the bid to be the host nation of Expo 2030. Under the theme of "The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow", the Riyadh Expo 2030 will highlight three sub-themes: 'Prosperity for All', 'Climate Action' and 'A Different Tomorrow'. These sub-themes will be represented in on-site pavilions.
When the news was announced the entire city (and nation) celebrated with drone shows and fireworks, and the iconic globe of Riyadh Season's Boulevard World lit up, emblazoned with the news.
Following competitive bids from destinations such as South Korea and Italy, Riyadh, was selected to host the 2030 edition of the Expo event, scheduled to take place from approximately October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031. The Kingdom won the bid to be hosting nation following a vote of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), this bid was supported by figures like French President Emmanuel Macron and around 130 nations, was backed by the Kingdom's position as the 18th largest economy and the fastest-growing economy among G20 countries in 2022, with a committed budget of $7.8 billion. The Expo is projected to attract 40 million visitors to a globe-shaped site featuring pavilions from 226 countries, with Saudi Arabia pledging financial assistance to participating nations.
While the event is still years away, Saudi Arabia aims to complete preparations by 2028, aligning Riyadh Expo 2030 with its ambitious Vision 2030 plan. Vision 2030 serves as the Kingdom's development roadmap, focusing on creating a vibrant society, a prosperous economy, and an ambitious nation. Riyadh Expo 2030 is expected to provide a key platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its national transformation and engage with the global community.
Expo 2025: 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives'
From April 13 - October 13, 2025, open daily from 9am to 10pm
Osaka, Kansai, Japan
Buy your ticket to Expo 2025 here
