Page 345 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/26/25, 5:08 PM Dubai Culture showcases UAE architectural vision, sustainable ethos at Expo 2025 Osaka
works by architect Tadao Ando, such as his exhibition at Grand Green Osaka, the Kyoto Garden of Fine Arts, the Hyogo Pr
Museum of Art, the Honpukuji Water Temple, and the Yumebutai Complex.

The delegates who participated were: Ahmad Bukhash, Founder of Archidentity and designer of 'The Good Place' Pavilion
2020 Dubai; Fatima AlSuwaidi, Head of the Cultural Heritage Legislation and Policy Section, Ministry of Culture; Ahmed Al A
Founder of X-Architects; Fatima AlZaabi, Co-founder of D04 Studios; Abdalla AlMulla, Founder of MULA Design Studio; Lin
Ahmed, Associate Professor of Sustainable Design at Zayed University; Laith AlSheyadi, Urban Planner at the Oman Minis
Housing and Urban Planning; Reem Al Qamzi, Founder of R.Qticets Studio; Rakan Lootah, Founder of Rakan Lootah Stud
Noora AlAwar, Co-founder of D04 Studios; Hamad AlMutawa, Architect at Kda; and Mohammad Salem AlShafiei, Engineer
Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.

Participants reflected on the visit with enthusiasm. Salem Alsuwaidi affirmed that helping organise this programme as a co-
made him realise the importance of creating opportunities for creatives and empowering them to connect in an open, collab
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 b
sustainable ecosystem.

Rashed AlMulla added that the exhibition built connections, bringing seasoned architects and the new generation together
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 sympo
also helped spark cultural dialogue between the UAE and Japan, offering audiences a comprehensive view of the UAE's ev
architectural landscape and innovative local initiatives."

Ahmed Bukhash observed that the tour curated by Dubai Culture, which included visits to prominent cultural landmarks in O
and neighbouring cities, offered participants the chance to delve into the intricacies of Japanese design, celebrated for its r
details and harmony with culture and the natural environment. He shared that this journey also inspired fresh thinking in sp
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 authentic
modernity coexist. She said, "The visit allowed me to engage firsthand with Tadao Ando's work, whose unique ability to tran
traditional conventions while preserving the essence of Japanese culture." She also noted that the exhibition fostered dialo
encouraged the sharing of ideas in a truly stimulating environment.

Hamad AlMutawa observed that the tours arranged by Dubai Culture provided valuable insights, emphasising how architec
reflect human aspirations and values. He said, "Our trip was filled with meaningful opportunities, especially seeing Tadao A
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 rare chance to appreciate
Japanese architecture in its original setting. "While Ando's work is seen across the globe, seeing it in Japan gave me a uniq
understanding of how cities embody an architect's philosophy and harmonise it with the surrounding environment. Engagin
designers from various cultures added a rich dimension to the symposium's discussions," he added.
Noora Al Awar noted that being part of the forum and exhibition made it possible to appreciate Japan's deep-rooted respect
heritage and craftsmanship. "Our tour with Dubai Culture spanned diverse heritage and cultural landmarks, from historical t
to contemporary design studios. Each location was distinct in form, material, and light, offering a source of inspiration for ev
our own methods and approaches. The immersion also allowed us to explore different perspectives on how to honour our h
while embracing modernity and the future," she said.

Reem Al Qamzi expressed her pride in joining the delegation. She said: "The trip opened new horizons for me, allowing me
a distinguished group of architects and designers from around the world, exchange ideas, and explore avenues for collabo

Rakan Lootah emphasised how the journey transformed his outlook, exposing him to a breadth of diverse insights in the fie
Fatima AlZaabi reflected on travelling to Japan as part of the Dubai Culture group, noting, "Strolling through the streets of O
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