The Kingdom of Bahrain’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is built around the theme Connecting Seas. This concept reflects Bahrain’s historical role as a maritime hub, where trade, culture, and ideas have flowed between East and West, shaping the nation’s identity and legacy.
The pavilion’s design and exhibitions take visitors on an immersive journey, inviting guests to explore galleries through the senses to learn about the profound influence of the sea on Bahrain’s economy, traditions, and way of life. The Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion offers a multi-layered experience that bridges past and future, tradition and modernity to highlight Bahrain’s enduring ties with the world.
Displays of the pavilion will explore the theme of connectivity through trade, crafts, manufacture, pearling, business, and ecology. The exhibition emphasizes the Kingdom’s historical role as a major port of trade and its cultural diversity, aligning with Expo 2025’s theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
The branding and visual identity of the Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion draws inspiration from the country’s legacy as a key intermediary between East and West. Taking design cues from the country’s artistic postage stamps, the visual identity reflects communication, trade, and cultural exchange through symbolic representations.
The logo typography is inspired by the dhow boat, its sails, drapes, and the waves of the Bahraini sea are referenced in cresting strokes, reinforcing the nation’s deep-rooted connection to its maritime heritage.
Situated in the “Empowering Lives” area facing the sea, the pavilion draws inspiration from traditional Bahraini dhow boats, reinterpreting ancient boat-building techniques to showcase the nation’s craftsmanship and manufacturing legacy.
The pavilion features a wooden structure, embodying traditional boat-building methods. This design pays homage to Bahrain’s maritime traditions and incorporates Japanese wood artistry to celebrate the bilateral relationship between Bahrain and Japan.
The interior design-build is led by Bahraini firm Shepherd Studio and will be complemented by dynamic projections to offer visitors an immersive exhibition experience. Bahrain’s participation will also have a dedicated business exhibition that will promote Bahrain as a competitive business destination to the Japanese market.
Designed for easy disassembly and recycling, the pavilion exemplifies sustainable architecture, seamlessly integrating ancient methods to enhance efficiency and environmental responsibility.
In 2017, Chef Tala assumed the role of Chef Patronne to launch Fusions By Tala at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa. Her restaurant, Fusions By Tala, has been recognized in the top 10 by 50 Best MENA Restaurants since 2021, underscoring her remarkable talent and unwavering dedication to the culinary arts. In November 2024, she stepped down to pursue a grander and more thrilling culinary journey, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.
Chef Tala’s participation in Top Chef Middle East in 2019 catapulted her to international fame, and she was subsequently named MENA’s Best Female Chef 2022 by 50 Best MENA Restaurants. She has also been honoured with three knives from The Best Chef awards and received the prestigious Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award 2025, further acknowledging her exceptional talent.
For Expo 2025 Osaka, Chef Tala Bashmi will curate a special menu inspired by the sea, blending authentic Bahraini flavours with fresh Japanese ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience for all visitors.
Now based in Bahrain, her eponymous label is known for creating timeless, versatile lifestyle pieces that blend beauty and comfort. Committed to sustainability, Lulwa Al Amin is also part of the Seaqual community, incorporating recycled and recyclable materials in her designs to combat plastic pollution. Her exclusive collection for the Pavilion reflects Bahrain’s cultural essence and a forward-thinking approach to fashion.
The Kingdom of Bahrain’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, designed by Lina Ghotmeh — Architecture (LG—A), is a testament to Bahrain’s rich maritime heritage and its enduring relationship with the sea.
Situated in the “Empowering Lives” area facing the sea, the pavilion draws inspiration from traditional Bahraini dhow boats, reinterpreting ancient boat-building techniques to showcase the nation’s craftsmanship and manufacturing legacy.
The pavilion features a wooden structure, embodying traditional boat-building methods. This design pays homage to Bahrain’s maritime traditions and incorporates Japanese wood artistry to celebrate the bilateral relationship between Bahrain and Japan.
The interior design-build is led by Bahraini firm Shepherd Studio and will be complemented by dynamic projections to offer visitors an immersive exhibition experience. Bahrain’s participation will also have a dedicated business exhibition that will promote Bahrain as a competitive business destination to the Japanese market.
Blending sustainability with innovation, the Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion is constructed entirely from wood with an outer aluminium layer, embracing eco-friendly building principles. Drawing inspiration from traditional cooling techniques, the structure minimizes reliance on mechanical systems, reducing its environmental footprint while ensuring adaptability for reuse after the Expo.
Designed for easy disassembly and recycling, the pavilion exemplifies sustainable architecture, seamlessly integrating ancient methods to enhance efficiency and environmental responsibility.
The Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion’s café proudly presents a unique culinary experience crafted by the trailblazing and multi-award-winning Bahraini chef, Tala Bashmi. Renowned for her innovative and transformative approach to Bahraini and Khaleeji cuisine, Chef Tala has garnered immense acclaim in the culinary world.
Chef Tala’s participation in Top Chef Middle East in 2019 catapulted her to international fame, and she was subsequently named MENA’s Best Female Chef 2022 by 50 Best MENA Restaurants. She has also been honoured with three knives from The Best Chef awards and received the prestigious Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award 2025, further acknowledging her exceptional talent.
For Expo 2025 Osaka, Chef Tala Bashmi will curate a special menu inspired by the sea, blending authentic Bahraini flavours with fresh Japanese ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience for all visitors.
The Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion’s gift shop serves as a platform to showcase Bahraini creativity and craftsmanship while offering visitors an opportunity to purchase authentic, locally inspired products. Recognising the power of retail as a storytelling tool, the shop features a diverse range of items that reflect Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore a thoughtfully curated assortment of books, stationery, home and fashion accessories, souvenirs, and more, making it a memorable extension of the Pavilion experience.Renowned Bahraini fashion designer Lulwa Al Amin develops a custom fashion line for the Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion, drawing inspiration from the pavilion’s theme and architecture. A graduate of Central Saint Martins with a BA in Textile Design, Lulwa gained experience with industry leaders such as Matthew Williamson and Browns before launching her brand in London in 2011.
Now based in Bahrain, her eponymous label is known for creating timeless, versatile lifestyle pieces that blend beauty and comfort. Committed to sustainability, Lulwa Al Amin is also part of the Seaqual community, incorporating recycled and recyclable materials in her designs to combat plastic pollution. Her exclusive collection for the Pavilion reflects Bahrain’s cultural essence and a forward-thinking approach to fashion.
Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
