PARIS: In a significant win for Saudi Arabia and its ambitious Vision 2030 plan, the capital city, Riyadh, has been selected as the host for World Expo 2030. The decision was announced following the votes cast by the 182 member states of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) during its general assembly in Paris.
Under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,” the Riyadh Expo is scheduled to take place from October 2030 to March 2031. The expo, held every five years, serves as a global platform for countries to showcase innovations, advancements, and collaborative solutions to contemporary challenges.
Three nations actively campaigned to host the Expo: Saudi Arabia, Italy, and South Korea. Riyadh’s successful bid is seen as a testament to the efforts of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman. The Saudi Crown Prince has been instrumental in driving the Kingdom’s efforts to host major international events.
World Expo Win Aligns with Saudi Vision 2030
The World Expo win aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, a comprehensive roadmap outlined by the Saudi leadership. The vision leverages Saudi Arabia’s strategic location, investment power, and its central role in the Arab and Islamic worlds to drive economic diversification and societal transformation.
The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is responsible for organizing the World Expo, which originated from the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. The expo attracts millions of visitors and serves as a platform for addressing pressing global issues.
The next World Expo, themed “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” is scheduled for 2025 in Osaka, Japan, while Dubai hosted the most recent edition in 2020. The upcoming Riyadh Expo is anticipated to play a pivotal role in fostering international collaboration and showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to progress and innovation.
