Kingdom of Saudi Arabia envisions Riyadh Expo 2030

There is a fierce competition among the three candidate countries for the hosting right of the World Expo 2030, however, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia undoubtedly leads the way being the strongest entry in its class. Are you wondering what this mega event is all about? And on what does the Middle Eastern powerhouse base its unshakeable confidence that their tender should be the chosen one? In this post, we have gathered the most important snippets of information regarding the greatest exhibition of the globe. 

As Arab News reported, earlier in July, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Paris to grace the Kingdom’s official reception for Riyadh’s bid to host the World Expo 2030 with his presence. The high-profile event welcomed delegates from the 179 member states of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) – the organisation in charge of the overseeing and coordination of the World Expos.

As their official website informs us, World Expos are global gatherings of nations committed to finding tangible solutions to the pressing challenges of our modern times by offering a journey inside a universal theme through engaging and immersive activities. Since 1851, when the very first such mega event was held in London, the greatest exhibition of the globe has provided its host cities with unparalleled opportunities and unrivalled world-scale exposure. 

Riyadh Expo 2030 on the cards?

Saudi Arabia is confident to win the bid against Italy and South Korea at the upcoming general assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) slated for November. As part of the Middle Eastern country’s desirous efforts at securing the hosting right for the 2030 World Expo scheduled for 1 May to 31 October 2030, the Kingdom unveiled its pioneering plan to educate and entertain the over 40 million forecasted visitors, in addition to the 1 billion virtual followers, with the latest metaverse technologies. This state-of-the-art technology merges physical reality and digital virtual worlds in a multiuser environment and has been unprecedented in the history of the expo. 

Through Expo 2030 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia would invite all the participating countries to work together on changing the course of our planet towards a brighter future. In harmony with this ambitious imperative, the Kingdom brought forward the following theme for the World Expo 2030: “The Era of Change: Leading the Planet to a Foresighted Tomorrow.” 

Riyadh is investing in sustainable development, environmental infrastructure, education, and culture, in line with the sub-themes of #RiyadhExpo2030 – ‘A Different Tomorrow’; ‘Climate Action’; and ‘Prosperity for All’. pic.twitter.com/Irh6LFVBXF

— Riyadh Expo 2030 (@Riyadh_Expo2030) August 24, 2023

Unparalleled global exposure

It is no secret that the international event provides an outstanding platform for the hosting venues to present their unique and distinctive domestic values and their recent high-scale accomplishments to a global audience. The Kingdom prides itself for its rich cultural and historical heritage, fascinating landscape, unique architectural marvels as well as the immense economic and social transformation it has achieved since the launch of its Vision 2030 on 25 April in 2016.

Ultimately, the exhibition would offer visitors a valuable insight into the major mega projects of Riyadh, including the Riyadh Sports Boulevard, King Salman Park, Diriyah Gate, Qiddiya Amusement Park and the still-in-progress King Salman International Airport, which would serve as the arrival point for the visitors of the exhibition, thanks to its close proximity to the venue. 

The World Expo has always been regarded as a highly prestigious event all around the globe. And the tradition will no doubt carry on in the future. We are eager to see which candidate will come out as the winner, who will be granted the prestigious opportunity to host the World Expo 2023.

The most recent World Expo took place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022 while the next World Expo will be held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan between 13 April and 13 October 2025.