OSAKA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 20, 2025--
The State of Kuwait marked its National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, with a celebration that captivated audiences and strengthened the pavilion’s growing reputation as one of the most compelling destinations at the global event. The day’s activities brought together dignitaries, Expo visitors and international media in a vibrant tribute to Kuwait’s heritage, identity and forward-looking vision.
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The celebrations began with a parade featuring more than 100 participants, dressed in traditional attire and accompanied by music and movement. The procession drew large crowds across the Expo site, attracting attention for its energy, colour and cultural authenticity.
The official ceremony took place at the National Day Hall within the Expo premises and featured a special presentation of the Visionary Lighthouse Show. This performance combined visual storytelling, choreography and sound to reflect Kuwait’s transformation from its cultural roots to its aspirations under the New Kuwait 2035 vision. The show resonated deeply with audiences and offered an inspiring expression of national pride and global engagement.
Speaking about the National Day celebrations, His Excellency Mr Salem Al Watyan, Commissioner General of the State of Kuwait Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, said: “Our National Day celebration reflects the spirit of Kuwait. It is a moment to honour our heritage and share our hopes for a future built on progress, partnership and innovation. Expo 2025 gives us a powerful opportunity to engage with the world, and we are proud to be part of this global platform.”
Later, guests were invited to the Kuwait Pavilion to enjoy a traditional folklore performance and an evening light show illuminating the pavilion’s distinctive façade. Projected visuals celebrating Kuwaiti culture and symbolism brought the structure to life, drawing admiration from the diverse international audience.
Since its opening, the Kuwait Pavilion has emerged as one of the most popular and talked-about experiences at Expo 2025 Osaka. Located in the Empowering Lives district, the pavilion’s bold architecture, immersive exhibitions and powerful narrative have attracted thousands of visitors each day.
The Kuwait Pavilion offers a multi-sensory, interactive journey that takes visitors through Kuwait’s rich heritage and ambitious outlook for the future. The experience blends immersive storytelling and digital exhibitions to highlight the country’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and global collaboration.
Source:AETOSWire
Kuwait celebrates National Day at Expo 2025 Osaka with a striking showcase of culture, vision and purpose (Photo: AETOSWire).
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka has captured her second consecutive Brisbane International title, and 22nd overall, with a straight sets victory over Marta Kostyuk on Sunday.
It was the third year in a row Sabalanka appeared in the final and the Belorussian player looked in comfortable surroundings as she closed out a 6-4, 6-3 victory in just 1 hour and 17 minutes at Pat Rafter Arena.
The Brisbane International is a tuneup event for this year’s Australian Open, which begins Jan. 18.
Kostyuk went hard early by attacking Sabalenka’s second serve, clawing back an early break with sublime drop shots that briefly rattled the world's top-ranked player.
However, the Belorussian’s relentless intensity and match-smarts proved decisive as she exploited the oppressive Brisbane humidity with punishing baseline rallies to clinch the opening set in 40 minutes.
As Kostyuk wilted under the physical strain, Sabalenka accelerated in the second set.
With a mix of raking groundstrokes and deceptive drop shots, she forced a mounting error count from the Ukrainian to close out the match without dropping a set all week.
After sealing the victory, Sabalenka looked down the court at Kostyuk and kissed both biceps - a likely nod to previous comments by the Ukranian that she possessed higher testosterone levels than other players.
Kostyuk has said the comments made in an interview last year had been taken out of context, but further the tensions between the pair since the Ukranian's refusal to shake Sabalenka's hand after a match at the French Open in 2023.
The exchange resulted in a frosty post-match presentation. During the trophy ceremony, Kostyuk spoke passionately about her homeland but notably declined to mention Sabalenka by name.
“I want to say a few words about Ukraine,” Kostyuk said. “I play every day with a pain in my heart. There are thousands of people who are without light and warm water right now, it’s minus 20 degrees outside right now, so it’s very, very painful to live this reality every day.
"I was incredibly moved and happy to see so many Ukrainian fans and flags here this week … Slava Ukraini.”
Sabalenka, meanwhile, congratulated Kostyuk, stating she hoped they would meet in another final soon. She also took a cheeky dig at her boyfriend Georgios Frangulis during her victory speech.
“Hopefully soon I will call you somehow else,” Sabalenka said looking at Frangulis in the player's box. “That just put extra pressure, right?”
Later Sunday, top-seeded Daniil Medvedev played Brandon Nakashima in the final of the men’s tournament at Brisbane.
The former No. 1-ranked Medvedev is seeking his 22nd career title, while it will be Nakashima’s first ATP Tour final in four years.
AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus poses with the winners trophy after winning the women's final match against Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 6-4, 6-3, at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, right, hugs her support team after winning the women's final match against Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 6-4, 6-3, at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine reacts after missing a shot during the women's final match against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus plays a shot during the women's final match against Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus waves to the crowd after winning the women's final match against Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine 6-4, 6-3, at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
