Qatar Lays Foundation Stone for Pavilion at GREEN×EXPO 2027

Tokyo, September 28, 2026 :  The State of Qatar held the foundation stone laying ceremony for its pavilion project at the International Horticultural Exhibition "GREEN×EXPO 2027" in Yokohama, Japan, marking the start of the project's implementation phase, as part of preparations to participate in the international event scheduled to run from March 19 to September 26, 2027.

Senior Qatari, Japanese Officials Attend Ceremony

The ceremony was attended by HE Jaber Jarallah Al Marri, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Japan and Commissioner General of the State of Qatar Pavilion at the Expo; Dr. Fayqa Abdullah Ashkanani, Deputy Commissioner General and Chair of the Committee for Organizing and Preparing Qatar's Participation in the Expo; and Eng. Abdulaziz Al Rumaihi, Director of the Projects Management and Development Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Vice Chair of the Committee.

From the "GREEN×EXPO 2027" side, the ceremony was attended by HE Ambassador Jun Shimmi, Commissioner General of the Expo, and Secretary General of the Expo Masato Komura, along with representatives of the entities involved in organizing the Expo and implementing the Qatar Pavilion project.

Project Site Officially Handed Over to Studio Dodici

The ceremony saw the official handover of the project site to Studio Dodici, in preparation for the start of construction works, in line with project requirements and the regulations and standards set by the organizers of "GREEN×EXPO 2027," while adhering to high standards of quality and safety.

Ambassador Highlights Significance of Milestone

Ambassador Al Marri said the foundation stone laying represents an important milestone in Qatar's participation in "GREEN×EXPO 2027," reflecting the depth of friendship and cooperation between Qatar and Japan. He said Qatar's participation in Yokohama builds on its experience hosting the International Horticultural Expo "Expo 2023 Doha," stemming from shared values between the two countries in horticulture, sustainability, innovation, and international cooperation.

He added that environmental sustainability represents a key pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030, highlighting the country's focus on sustainable agriculture, food security, and water resource preservation.

Pavilion Design Selected Through National University Competition

The pavilion's architectural design was selected through a national competition launched by the Ministry of Municipality in partnership with Qatar University and Msheireb Properties, involving 40 female students from the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning at Qatar University's College of Engineering — an initiative aimed at giving young national talents the opportunity to design a project representing Qatar at a major international forum specializing in horticulture and sustainability.

Design Draws on Msheireb's Architectural Language

The design draws inspiration from Msheireb's architectural language, reinterpreting the traditional Qatari "fareej" concept in a contemporary style that blends modern architecture, nature, and community, while remaining suited to Yokohama's environmental and climatic conditions. The design is built around a balanced relationship between constructed spaces and natural elements, with plants, trees, and open spaces forming an essential part of the pavilion experience, reflecting the Expo's focus on nature and sustainability.

Deputy Commissioner General Highlights Focus on Sustainability

Dr. Fayqa Abdullah Ashkanani said the working teams are focused on translating the design vision into an integrated experience that highlights Qatar's leading initiatives in sustainability and food security. She said the experience gained from hosting "Expo 2023 Doha" provides an important foundation to build on for Qatar's participation in Yokohama.

About GREEN×EXPO 2027

The International Horticultural Exhibition "GREEN×EXPO 2027" is considered one of the most prominent international exhibitions specializing in horticulture, sustainability, and the environment, and is expected to attract millions of visitors from Japan and around the world, offering a global platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing innovative solutions to environmental and developmental challenges.

Source: QNA