Page 342 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/26/25, 5:08 PM Pillars of Arish: Exploring UAE’s Architectural Heritage and Future Innovation
in Osaka, the Asahi Broadcasting Corporation headquarters, and the architectural marvel
of the Umeda Sky Building designed by Hiroshi Hara. They also experienced the
immersive teamLab Botanical Gardens and several significant works by the renowned
architect Tadao Ando, including the Grand Green Osaka exhibition, the Kyoto Garden of
Fine Arts, Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Honpukuji Water Temple, and the
Yumebutai Complex.

The delegation consisted of twelve talented UAE-based architects and creatives who
brought diverse perspectives to the event. These included Ahmad Bukhash, founder of
Archidentity; Fatima AlSuwaidi from the 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 Ahmad, an associate professor at Zayed University; Laith
AlSheyadi, urban planner with Oman’s Ministry of Housing; Reem Al Qamzi, founder of
R.Qticets Studio; Rakan Lootah, founder of Rakan Lootah Studio; Noora AlAwar, also co-
founder of D04 Studios; Hamad AlMutawa, architect at Köda; and Mohammad Salem
AlShafiei, engineer with the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai.

Reflections from the delegates highlighted the event’s meaningful impact. Salem
AlSuwaidi shared that co-curating the symposium reaffirmed the importance of
collaboration and dialogue in nurturing architectural innovation. Rashed AlMulla
emphasized the symposium’s success in fostering intergenerational conversations among

architects, laying groundwork for future creative partnerships. Ahmad Bukhash was
inspired by the Japanese approach to spatial harmony and contextual design, finding new
ideas to incorporate into his own work. Fatima AlSuwaidi described the experience as
exceptional, appreciating Japan’s balance of authenticity and innovation in cities like
Kyoto and Osaka.

Hamad AlMutawa expressed deep admiration for Tadao Ando’s use of light and silence to
create emotional spaces, while Abdalla AlMulla gained fresh insight into how architecture
can embody a nation’s philosophical and cultural identity. Noora AlAwar valued the
combination of the symposium and cultural exchange, which broadened her understanding
of architectural dialogues between the UAE and Japan.

In conclusion, the ‘Pillars of Arish’ symposium at Expo 2025 Osaka successfully
positioned Dubai Culture and the UAE as leaders in architectural innovation rooted in
sustainability and heritage. The event not only showcased the UAE’s evolving

architectural identity but also reinforced the importance of global collaboration in shaping
the future of design that respects tradition while embracing modernity.

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