Award-winning architects unveil the Saudi Arabian Pavilion for Expo 2025 in Japan

Foster + Partners is an award-winning architect studio.

Based in the UK, Foster + Partners has been making waves in Saudi; recently winning the tendering process for designing several large scale proposals across the Kingdom. This portfolio includes majorly impressive designs for significant projects in Saudi, such as the new Red Sea International Airport, the planned terminal update for Abha Airport, the two-kilometre-high skyscraper planned for Riyadh and the newly opened Six Senses Southern Dunes luxury resort in the Red Sea region.

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And now the architectural firm have unveiled the plans for the Saudi Arabian Pavilion planned for Expo 2025.

Set to take place in Japan from April to October of next year, Expo 2025 will bring the world together in the dynamic destination of Osaka for six months, this Expo edition aims to explore the theme of 'life' and help to foster relationships between countries, communities and networks around the globe for the benefit of the world's population.

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Set to be located on the Yumeshima waterfront in Osaka, the Saudi Arabian Pavilion will offer visitors a spatial journey, reminiscent of exploring the historic towns and cities of the Kingdom. The pavilion will also include an immersive audio-visual experience and allowing visitors to discover the hidden treasures of Saudi Arabia.

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The pavilion will be constructed using low-carbon materials, and will feature energy-efficient lighting, rainwater recycling, and photovoltaic technologies for electricity generation. The 2025 Expo pavilions are aiming for the highest level in Japan's green building rating system, and 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 — focussing on enhancing and improving the health and well-being of pavilion visitors, whilst also enhancing the overall experience.

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Luke Fox, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners said of the design: “The pavilion takes visitors on a journey of discovery and chance encounters that – layer by layer – paints a vivid picture of Saudi Arabian culture. Our design plays with scale, light, sound and texture to stimulate all of the senses, while showcasing some of the country’s most innovative and exciting accomplishments.”

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In November 2023, the nation's capital city of Riyadh secured its position as host city for the World Expo 2030. Under the main theme of Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow, 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.

The Kingdom, as the 18th largest economy and fastest-growing economy among G20 countries in 2022, allocated a budget of $7.8 billion to host Expo Riyadh 2030. Throughout the six months of Expo 2030, it is estimated that 40 million visitors will tour the Expo site.

The Expo 2030 site will be shaped like a globe, with pavilions from 226 countries distributed around a natural valley, symbolising the Kingdom's role in fostering global cooperation. Saudi will offer financial support to countries invited to exhibit: in order to build pavilions, create events and employ staff, should it be needed.

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Founded in 1928, the organisation known as BIE (Bureau International des Expositions) is the intergovernmental body behind the International Expo events. Held every 5 years and lasting six months, it is hoped that these internationally attended events "bring the world together in a grand and common project to find solutions to a fundamental challenge facing humanity". This challenge is met and tackled by nations through the Expo's declared theme, this theme acts as a catalyst for participants (countries) to showcase their offerings, solutions and even sharing cultural events.

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