Saudi Arabia was chosen as the host country of World Expo 2030 during the 173rd General Assembly of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on November 28. A two-thirds majority of member states voted for Saudi Arabia’s project to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”, between October 1, 2030 and March 31, 2031.
Three countries were in the running to host World Expo 2030. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the other candidates were the Republic of Korea (Busan) with the theme “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future” and Italy (Rome) with the theme “People and Territories: Regeneration, Inclusion and Innovation”.
Following the announcement of the election results, the Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S Kerkentzes stated: “On behalf of the BIE, I offer my warm congratulations to Saudi Arabia on its election as host country of World Expo 2030. In the coming years, we look forward to working closely with Saudi Arabia to bring the world together in Riyadh.”
Eligible and present Member States, represented by government-appointed delegates, elected the host country in a secret ballot using electronic voting, on the principle of one country, one vote. Securing 119 votes in the first round, Saudi Arabia was elected outright, as it received the two-thirds majority required. Republic of Korea received 29 votes and Italy 17.
Addressing the assembly, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah said the kingdom will continue to devote its efforts to regional and global cooperation and development.
“We take pride in the efforts and achievements that the kingdom has made thus far,” he said.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the significance of the year 2030, as it marks three critical milestones: Expo 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the Saudi Vision 2030.
“The Kingdom is actively working to accelerate progress on these three fronts,” emphasized the Foreign Minister. “As we strive to develop and transform our economy, we believe that the Kingdom’s progress, along with regional development and the well-being of the global economy, will advance steadily.”
He underlined the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to cooperating with all nations in hosting the expo, which he described as “built by the world for the world.”
Additionally, he shed light on a comprehensive facilities package worth $348 million allocated by the kingdom to a group of 100 eligible countries participating in the expo.
World Expos, officially known as International Registered Exhibitions, are global gatherings of nations addressing universal challenges of our time. These unparalleled global events offer a journey inside a chosen theme through engaging and immersive activities. Taking place every five years and lasting up to six months, World Expos welcome tens of millions of visitors, allow countries to build extraordinary pavilions, and transform the host city for years to come.
The most recent World Expo, Expo 2020 Dubai, took place under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, and received over 24 million visits. The next World Expo, Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, will take place between April 13 and October 13 2025, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.
