On His Majesty’s service, Sayyid Bilarab leads delegation to Expo 2025 Japan

On behalf of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham led the Omani delegation at the National Day celebration of the Sultanate of Oman Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

His Highness was welcomed upon arrival by Yoshitaka Ito, Minister for the 2025 World Expo, alongside senior Japanese government officials.

Sayyid Bilarab signed the Expo 2025 Osaka VIP guestbook and attended a ceremony held in his honour at the Yumeshimanaka Hall, where he participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

The event opened with the raising of the Omani flag in the Expo’s main square and the playing of the Royal Anthem of the Sultanate of Oman and the National Anthem of Japan, recognising the strong ties between the two nations.

In his address, Minister Ito highlighted the enduring relationship between Oman and Japan, noting their shared history and ongoing cooperation.

He emphasised the significance of the Oman Pavilion’s theme, “Earth, Water, and Humanity,” which showcases a vision of future society living in harmony with nature.

Minister Ito expressed his hope that the Expo would help share Oman’s unique appeal with Japan and the world.

Sayyid Said bin Sultan Albusaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth for Culture and Commissioner-General of the Oman Pavilion, noted that Oman’s participation reflects the nation’s achievements during its ongoing renaissance—a period marked by extending ties with diverse cultures, inspired by a history of tolerance and civilisational exchange. He noted that Oman’s spirit of interaction stems from water, earth, and humanity, enabling its people to share their identity, culture, and values of peace while embracing global cultures.

He further explained that the National Day ceremony symbolises Oman’s deep connections to these elements and emphasises the importance of intercultural communication.

The design of the Oman Pavilion, he added, is a result of the creativity of Omani youth—a winning project from the Bilarab bin Haitham Award for Architectural Design, which encourages innovation and connects Omani architectural identity with future aspirations.

“Through the Expo, Oman celebrates its culture and builds bridges of communication with the world,” he said. “The Pavilion offers an interactive, informative, and welcoming space where visitors can connect with the themes of earth, water, and humanity, and explore our shared commitment to harmonious coexistence with nature.”

The ceremony featured a musical performance by the Royal Cavalry Music Band, including their specially composed Expo 2025 piece, as well as traditional Omani melodies. The program also included a piece from the Japanese animated fantasy film “Always With Me”.

Traditional Omani folk arts—including Al Azi, Al Razha, and Al Midan—were staged, along with a sign language performance expressing national belonging.

His Highness then toured the Oman Pavilion, beginning with the Water Corridor, which connects the interior exhibition halls with the exterior space and features curated inscriptions from Omani and Japanese heritage on water culture.

In the Earth and Water Hall, His Highness Sayyid Bilarab viewed an audio visual presentation depicting the origins of natural life in Oman through the interaction of water and earth, showcasing the nation’s diverse flora and fauna.

The ceremony concluded with an exchange of commemorative gifts, including a presentation to His Highness from the Japanese government by Minister Ito.

This event is part of a broader programme of more than thirty activities organised by Oman throughout its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, aimed at introducing the country’s history, culture, and initiatives in sustainability, energy, and innovation.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from Oman, Japan, and other friendly nations.

Later, His Highness Sayyid Bilarab and his delegation visited the Japan Pavilion, where they were received by the Director of the Japan Pavilion, Noriyuki Kuroda. His Highness was briefed on the pavilion’s design and explored its sections dedicated to earth, farming, and industry, gaining insight into Japan’s cultural and technological identity.

Before departing, His Highness Sayyid Bilarab signed the Japan Pavilion’s VIP guestbook.

The Oman Pavilion has welcomed around one million visitors to date, who have experienced its narrative of continuity and sustainability through immersive and historical exhibits.

The Pavilion continues to host cultural and artistic events, including traditional fashion displays with contemporary elements, highlighting Oman’s national identity and fostering cultural dialogue with Japanese and international visitors.

Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the Pavilion features six key themes: communication and interaction, tourism, investment opportunities, cultural identity, international relations, and corporate collaboration.

Oman’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka represents a significant opportunity to promote cultural and technological exchange, showcase the nation’s civilisational and economic progress, and celebrate its rich historical heritage.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.