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World Expo 2030: Riyadh wins bid to host major event in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh triumphs over Busan in South Korea and Rome in Italy to host World Expo 2030

riyadh expo 2030

The World Expo 2030 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia after it beat bids from Busan, South Korea and Rome, Italy.

The announcement was made by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organisation in charge of World Expo events.

In a statement on social media, the official account of the Riyadh Expo 2030 announced the World Expo will come to Saudi Arabia. It said: “Officially: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its capital, Riyadh, is the destination of the world at Expo 2030”

Riyadh Expo 2030

Saudi Arabia triumphed in the first round of voting after claiming 119 votes from member nations. It was followed by South Korea, with 29 votes and Italy, which secured the remaining 17 votes.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, extended his congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the occasion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia winning the bid to host the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh.

The global event is scheduled to take place from October 2030 until March 2031.

Expressing gratitude to the nations that supported the Kingdom’s bid, as well as to the two competing countries, the Crown Prince said: “The Kingdom’s selection as the host of the World Expo 2030 underlines its influential and leading role, and the international confidence it enjoys.

“Saudi Arabia has become an ideal destination for hosting major international events, including the esteemed World Expo.”

Reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to holding an extraordinary and unparalleled edition of the World Expo, the Crown Prince emphasised the importance of being an active and positive role model in the drive to shape a brighter future for humanity.

The Expo is bound to provide a global platform that leverages cutting-edge technologies and brings together the brightest minds to capitalise on opportunities and address the challenges that the planet faces today.

He said: “The World Expo 2030 coincides with a crucial year for the realisation of the goals and plans outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.

“This Expo represents a remarkable opportunity to share with the world the lessons learned from our unprecedented journey of transformation.”

The Crown Prince stressed Riyadh’s readiness to welcome the world at Expo 2030, and the fact that it will fulfil the obligations stipulated in the bid with the aim of achieving the main theme of the expo, “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”, and its sub-topics: “A Different Tomorrow”, “Climate Action”, and “Prosperity for All”.

Riyadh is the capital of a country that enjoys a strategic and important geographical location. The country acts as an important bridge linking continents, which makes it an attractive destination for the most prominent international forums, global investments and visits, and a gateway to the world.

Saudi Arabia had previously unveiled its $7.8bn masterplan for the event.

The plan aims to create an exceptional global experience in the history of Expos as it reflects the importance of Riyadh Expo 2030 and its positive role and embodies the exhibition’s central theme: “Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.”

The Riyadh Expo 2030 will be held near King Salman International Airport, which is currently being developed, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving there.

They can reach the exhibition site within minutes by using the “Riyadh Metro” network, covering all parts of Riyadh city and connecting to one of the three exhibition entrances and the modern road network.

The exhibition pavilions, estimated to be 226, were designed in a spherical shape, with an equator line running through them. This visual approach aligns with the exhibition’s vision, ensuring equal opportunities for all participants.

The exhibition’s design reflects the ancient urban style, history, culture, and nature of Riyadh city.

Held since 1851, World Expos constitute the largest global platform for presenting the latest achievements and technologies, promoting international cooperation in economic development, trade, arts and culture, and disseminating science and technology.

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