Years of Culture
false
2025/08/19
As part of the Years of Culture initiative, these influencer ambassadors explored Japan as storytellers, offering a personal, human connection to Qatari culture on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Representing Qatar were Ghanim Al-Muftah, Abdulaziz Al-Ajail, Khalifa Al-Haroon (Mr. Q), Anas Abouqamer (Triple F Qatar), Noora Abuhelaiqa, Abdulrahman Al-Ashqar and Essa Al-Jamali, each contributing their unique voice and perspective to the trip.
The visit was about so much more than sightseeing, marking a moment of cultural connection between two nations with long-standing ties. For two remarkable days, they explored the pavilions of Expo 2025, met with visitors from around the world, and proudly celebrated Qatar’s National Day on 8th July.
On their first day at Expo 2025, the influencer ambassadors stepped into the incredible Qatar Pavilion. “Honestly, I felt a huge sense of pride from the very first moment,” shared Abdulaziz Al-Ajail. “The building stood out — it’s unique and instantly grabs your attention. What struck me right away was the long line of people, standing under the sun, just waiting for their turn to step inside and experience the Qatari pavilion. That scene alone filled me with excitement and pride, especially because I had come from so far — a 10-hour journey — to see in person what I had only seen on social media before.”
Designed under the theme “From the Shoreline, We Move Forward,” the pavilion offered an immersive, multidimensional exploration of Qatari heritage, hospitality, innovation, and art, while also spotlighting deep-rooted ties with Japan across education, energy, and culture.
Beyond the Qatar Pavilion, the ambassadors spent the afternoon exploring the surrounding national showcases, absorbing the Expo’s ethos of global unity through innovation and culture.
As the group moved through the Expo, it was one quietly powerful moment that made the biggest impact on influencer Noora Abouhelaiqa - a collaborative artwork by Qatari artist Yousef Ahmad and Japanese artist Hayaki Nishigaki.
“The piece, which beautifully blended Qatari palm-based paper with traditional Japanese washi, symbolised more than artistic fusion,” Noora described. “It reflected the essence of mutual respect and cultural storytelling. Standing in front of that work, I felt the deep connection between our two nations, rooted in tradition yet looking boldly toward the future. It was a reminder that art transcends language and borders, creating space for shared values and dialogue.”
The following day, the group joined Qatar’s official National Day celebrations, a grand cultural showcase held on 8th July. The event drew an international audience, including His Excellency Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Thani, Minister of Culture, and Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, along with visitors, diplomats, and officials from both countries.
The programme featured a compelling documentary about Qatar’s cultural journey, showcasing the nation’s heritage, followed by traditional performances that resonated deeply with Japanese attendees and visitors from around the world.
“For me, the National Day celebration was truly emotional,” reflected Ghanim Al-Muftah. “Seeing the Qatari flag waving in a faraway place like Japan, and watching people genuinely connect with and enjoy our culture, it was something special. I felt like we weren’t just representing our country, but also sharing our values, our history, and our identity.”
Following the celebrations, Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, His Excellency the Minister of Culture, and other esteemed guests toured both the Qatari and Japanese pavilions together — a symbolic gesture of mutual respect, friendship, and the enduring cultural ties between the two nations.
Throughout the Expo, the ambassadors witnessed first hand how culture can inspire joy, curiosity, and understanding across languages and borders.
“One of the best moments was when I visited the Qatar Pavilion and saw Japanese children trying to write their names in Arabic, with their faces full of curiosity and joy,” shared Ghanim Al-Muftah. “It felt like we were building real bridges between cultures, not just participating in an exhibition.”
Ghanim captured many of these moments in a video travelogue, which offers a beautiful reflection of the group’s journey through Japan. “Being at the Osaka Expo is something I’ll never forget — it’s a memory I’ll always carry with me,” he said.
The celebration concluded with a heartfelt invitation from the Organising Committee for Qatar’s participation at Expo 2025, encouraging visitors from around the world to explore the Qatari Pavilion and experience its rich cultural content.
This event marked more than a day of national pride; it embodied the lasting legacy of the Qatar-Japan 2012 Year of Culture, fostering human-centred cultural dialogue and exchange. For the influencers who represented Qatar, it was the unforgettable beginning of an extraordinary journey through Japan.
Curious to see what happened next? After the Expo, the Influencer Ambassadors continued their cultural odyssey through Japan, from the vibrant street food and neon lights of Osaka, to the serene beauty of Kyoto, and the contemporary art island of Naoshima. Read about the rest of their journey here.
Find out more about upcoming events during the Qatar, Argentina and Chile 2025 Year of Culture.
