News DeskAbu Dhabi / Osaka: The United Arab Emirates Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has been awarded Gold at the prestigious German Design Award 2026, taking top honours in the category of “Fair and Exhibition – Exhibition Design.” The award is presented by the German Design Council, one of the world’s leading authorities on design excellence.
Under the theme Earth to Ether, the Pavilion offered more than an architectural landmark it delivered a story. At its heart stood ninety towering palm-inspired rachis columns, some rising up to 16 metres, forming a striking canopy reminiscent of a desert oasis. The design paid tribute to the UAE’s deep-rooted heritage while embracing global collaboration, blending Emirati building traditions with refined Japanese wood craftsmanship.
Innovative materials such as Datecrete and Dateform developed through experimentation with local resources reflected a forward-looking approach grounded in sustainability and creativity.
In its official citation, the international jury praised the Pavilion’s clearly structured spatial concept and the commanding presence of the date palm as a defining architectural element. The jury also highlighted the immersive, multisensory experience shaped through light, texture and human interaction, noting how the Pavilion successfully bridged cultural heritage with a bold vision for the future.
The visitor journey itself was carefully choreographed. Experience design consultancy Atelier Brückner shaped the immersive environment, guiding guests through a narrative brought to life through space, sound, material and movement. Rather than simply observe, visitors were invited to pause, reflect and connect.
Shihab Alfaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, said the recognition underscores the Pavilion’s founding vision.
“This recognition affirms the intention behind the Pavilion,” he said. “From the outset, it was conceived as a place where people could encounter one another through architecture, material exploration and shared experience. The collaboration among partners in the UAE, Japan and beyond created an experience that welcomed visitors not only to observe but also to gather, reflect and exchange perspectives. We are honoured that this approach has been recognised by the German Design Council and its international jury.”
The award also celebrates the collective effort of the Earth to Ether Design Collective, whose collaboration brought the ambitious concept to life.
Founded in 1953, the German Design Council promotes design as a vital cultural and social discipline, connecting industry, research and creative practice. The German Design Award recognises projects that demonstrate lasting impact through meaningful contributions to people, the environment and society.
This latest accolade adds to an impressive list of honours earned by the Pavilion during and after Expo 2025 Osaka. It was named among the top three national pavilions for Architecture and Landscape by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the Expo’s organising body. The Pavilion also received the World Expo Award for Best Staff, an Honourable Mention for Best Sustainable Design, the World Expolympics Bronze for Best Large Pavilion, and in December 2025, the DFA Design for Asia Award.
Over the course of six months, more than five million visitors passed through the UAE Pavilion — making it the most visited national pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
From shaded gathering spaces inspired by the date palm to immersive storytelling environments, the journey unfolded as a reflection of the UAE’s enduring commitment to collective progress across space exploration, healthcare and sustainable technology. Through architecture, cultural programming and human-centred design, the Pavilion demonstrated how heritage can inform innovation and how dialogue and collaboration remain essential to shaping a thriving future for all.
