Page 329 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

‘The Good Place’ Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; Fatima AlSuwaidi, Head of the Cultural Heritage
Legislation and Policy Section, Ministry of Culture; Ahmed Al Ali, Founder of X-Architects; Fatima
AlZaabi, Co-founder of D04 Studios; Abdalla AlMulla, Founder of MULA Design Studio; Lina Ahmed,
Associate Professor of Sustainable Design at Zayed University; Laith AlSheyadi, Urban Planner at
the Oman Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning; Reem Al Qamzi, Founder of R.Qticets Studio;
Rakan Lootah, Founder of Rakan Lootah Studio; and Noora AlAwar, Co-founder of D04 Studios;
Hamad AlMutawa, Architect at Köda; and Mohammad Salem AlShafiei, Engineer at the Dubai
Roads and Transport Authority.

Voices from the delegation
Participants reflected on the visit with enthusiasm. Salem Alsuwaidi affirmed that helping organise
this programme as a co-curator made him realise the importance of creating opportunities for
creatives and empowering them to connect in an open, collaborative setting. He noted that the
gatherings enabled Emirati and UAE-based architects to engage in meaningful conversation,
strengthening professional and personal community ties. Such endeavours, he explained,
represent a pivotal step toward building a sustainable ecosystem.

Rashed AlMulla added that the exhibition built connections, bringing seasoned architects and the
new generation together and paving the way for future partnerships. He said, “The experience
opened new horizons for Emirati professionals, reshaping perspectives through direct exposure to
Japanese schools and movements, renowned for their distinctive style. The symposium also helped
spark cultural dialogue between the UAE and Japan, offering audiences a comprehensive view of
the UAE’s evolving architectural landscape and innovative local initiatives.”

Ahmed Bukhash observed that the tour curated by Dubai Culture, which included visits to
prominent cultural landmarks in Osaka and neighbouring cities, offered participants the chance to
delve into the intricacies of Japanese design, celebrated for its refined details and harmony with
culture and the natural environment. He shared that this journey also inspired fresh thinking in
spatial planning and creative practice, with insights that could enrich upcoming projects in the
UAE.

Fatima Al Suwaidi called it “an exceptional experience,” highlighting her fascination with Osaka and
Kyoto, where authenticity and modernity coexist. She said: “The visit allowed me to engage
firsthand with Tadao Ando’s work, whose unique ability to transcend traditional conventions while
preserving the essence of Japanese culture.” She also noted that the exhibition fostered dialogue
and encouraged the sharing of ideas in a truly stimulating environment.

Valuable insights
Hamad AlMutawa observed that the tours arranged by Dubai Culture provided valuable insights,
emphasising how architecture can reflect human aspirations and values. He said: “Our trip was
filled with meaningful opportunities, especially seeing Tadao Ando’s works, which helped us
understand his use of light and silence in design.”

Abdalla Almulla found participating in the delegation genuinely inspiring, as it gave participants a

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