From Earth to Ether: The people powering the UAE’s vision for the world

A nation’s story is not told through pavilions and exhibits alone. It is told through the dreams of its people and the actions they take to bring them to life.

As the UAE Pavilion opened its doors to the world at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, a platform designed to shape the future of societies, we are not just sharing our technological advancements and national achievements. We are telling a living story of people who dream boldly and know that there are no bounds to what they can achieve delivering impact across borders.

That story unfolds in the Pavilion’s immersive spaces, in the conversations with our Youth Ambassadors, and in the powerful examples of individuals who are shaping the future: our Dreamers Who Do.

Earth to Ether is more than just the title of our Pavilion. It embodies the spirit of our nation. It reflects how we stay deeply connected to our heritage while boldly exploring endless possibilities. This journey is not about ideas alone, but about people who turn them into impact across a horizon of disciplines, from our Explorers of Space to our Catalysts of Healthcare, to our Stewards of Sustainability and beyond.

The UAE’s ventures into space are well known. But behind those missions are people whose personal stories are foundational to bringing the UAE’s space journey to life.

Nora Al Matrooshi, the first Emirati female astronaut and a NASA-trained candidate, represents not only scientific excellence but also the limitless aspirations of young women in our region.

At Harvard University, Mouza Almualla is exploring how the first stars shaped the early universe. Her work in computational cosmology connects the past to the future. She reminds us that knowledge is both our heritage and our legacy.

Mohsen Al Awadhi, Director of Space Missions at the UAE Space Agency, is leading some of the country’s most ambitious missions, including the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt and key contributions to the Mars Hope Probe.

Dr Sultan Al Neyadi, now Minister of State for Youth Affairs, spent six months aboard the International Space Station conducting critical experiments. His return was not the conclusion of a mission but the beginning of a chapter connecting our youth with the future they are helping to shape.

Healthcare is another frontier where the UAE has believed, since its early beginnings, that a healthy and dignified life is central to a thriving society.

Dr Fatima Al Kaabi is pioneering stem cell therapies as Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Bone Marrow Transplant Programme. Her work is saving lives and redefining the potential of personalised healing in the region.

At NYU Abu Dhabi, Dr Farah Shamout uses machine learning to detect diseases earlier and improve patient outcomes. Her research proves that technology, when grounded in empathy, becomes a force for hope.

Dr Ken-ichiro Kamei, also at NYU Abu Dhabi, is developing “Body on a Chip” technology, providing ethical and precise alternatives to drug testing.

Ali Alloghani, a young Emirati innovator, created “Doctor Robot,” a health-monitoring system designed to assist the elderly and people with disabilities. His work is a testament to the power of youth-led innovation.

At Khalifa University, Dr Habiba Al Safar leads genome research to identify genetic markers for chronic diseases in Emiratis, placing our community at the forefront of precision medicine.

We are also aware that sustainable innovation is strengthened by our deep-rooted ability to adapt with ingenuity, enhancing life on our planet and beyond.

Maryam Al Mazrouei, a chemical engineer at Masdar, works on renewable energy projects that help countries lower emissions, empowering communities in need.

Dr Nawal Al Hosany is the UAE’s Permanent Representative to IRENA, championing global renewable energy initiatives and advocating for sustainable development.

At the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Professors Martin Takáč and Samuel Horváth are using AI to enhance the efficiency and security of energy grids.

Maryam Ahmed Hassani and Hayk Vasilyan, co-founders of HydroWind Energy, are developing wind-powered solutions to store energy and desalinate seawater.

Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, through Lootah Biofuels, is advancing the UAE’s circular economy by turning used cooking oil into biodiesel.

These stories reflect more than innovation, they reflect our deepest values: resilience, curiosity, humility, and a belief in shared progress. They show how the UAE invests in its people and builds partnerships that accelerate collective progress.

This ethos is reflected in the Pavilion itself. Inspired by the anatomy of the date palm tree and crafted through merging Emirati and Japanese material innovation, its structure embodies resilience, hospitality, and cultural exchange, all of which power our journey from Earth to Ether.

This is why the Pavilion team itself matters so much. Our Youth Ambassadors are powerful representatives of the UAE’s commitment to cultural dialogue and exchange. They meet thousands of guests each day, listening, explaining, and sharing. In their warmth, knowledge, and confidence, they are changing perceptions in real time. They are not just greeting visitors; they embody the spirit of Expo itself by building future societies through human connection, empathy, and open dialogue.

We believe that authentic stories and shared human experiences have the power to unite, inspire, and leave a legacy far beyond the walls of the Pavilion.

In our pavilion, innovation is not confined to installations or exhibitions. It is embedded in the people who stand behind them. This is what Earth to Ether truly means. It is about remaining grounded in purpose while reaching upward with imagination and courage. It is about embracing the responsibilities that come with ambition.

The future is not shaped solely by ideas. It is shaped by those who act with clarity, build partnerships across borders, and remain committed to progress that uplifts all life, on our planet and beyond.

The UAE is proud to stand with nations committed to building a better future, not just for six months at Expo, but for generations to come. We do not simply imagine a better world; we work every day to bring it to life, together.

Mariam Al Memari is Head of the UAE Expo Office, Deputy Commissioner General and Pavilion Director of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka