Page 350 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

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 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 unique understanding of how cities embody an architect’s philosophy
and harmonise it with the surrounding environment. Engaging with 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 for heritage and craftsmanship. “Our tour with Dubai Culture spanned diverse
heritage and cultural landmarks, from historical temples to contemporary design studios. Each location
was distinct in form, material, and light, offering a source of inspiration for evolving our own methods and
approaches. The immersion also allowed us to explore different perspectives on how to honour our
heritage 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 to meet a distinguished group of architects and designers from around the world,
exchange ideas, and explore avenues for collaboration.”
Rakan Lootah emphasised how the journey transformed his outlook, exposing him to a breadth of diverse
insights in the field. Fatima AlZaabi reflected on travelling to Japan as part of the Dubai Culture group,
noting: “Strolling through the streets of Osaka, Kobe, and Awaji Island allowed us to discover the works of
Tadao Ando, which embody architecture’s ability to engage with nature and identity. As Emirati and UAE-
based architects, it made us reflect on how we can reimagine spaces and present them in innovative ways
that are climate-responsive and culturally expressive.”

Platform for new ideas and concepts
Mohammad AlShafiei remarked that the visit deepened his understanding of Japanese architecture,
highlighting its precision, stylistic variety, and human-centred approach—all clearly evident in Tadao
Ando’s portfolio. Laith AlSheyadi added that the programme was especially valuable for creatives,
providing the chance to share insights, experience the Japanese built environment firsthand, and discuss
parallels and contrasts with regional design. This, he said, offered inspiration for developing new
concepts.

Ahmed Al Ali expressed his delight in attending the international exhibition, noting how it enriched his
knowledge and introduced him to fresh ideas in contemporary design. He also commented on the
intersections between Japanese and Emirati practices, describing them as a beautiful overlap that reveals
shared ground and creates new opportunities for working together with others.