Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh has announced that it will host the World Expo 2030 after defeating challenges from South Korea and Italy.
The Saudi capital was picked by a majority of 119 out of 165 votes by the member states of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions.
The secret ballot was carried out using electronic voting, and Riyadh was confirmed as the successor host to Osaka in 2025.
Candidates presented their final Expo progress reports to member states and government-appointed delegates in an 11th-hour attempt to win votes.
The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended his congratulations to the rulers and people of Saudi Arabia on this prestigious occasion.
Taking to X, the President said: “I extend my sincere congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the people of Saudi Arabia for the Kingdom’s successful bid to host Expo 2030.
“Through resounding support for Riyadh Expo 2030, the international community continues to recognise the remarkable path towards growth and prosperity in Saudi Arabia.”
I extend my sincere congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the people of Saudi Arabia for the Kingdom’s successful bid to host Expo 2030. Through resounding support for Riyadh Expo 2030, the international community continues to…
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) November 28, 2023
The event is expected to represent the culmination of Vision 2030 and showcase the Kingdom’s achievements, with a particular focus on hospitality, tourism, and culture.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said: “I would like to thank the 130 countries that have already announced their support for the Kingdom’s bid.
“Distinguished dignitaries, you have all acted as indispensable partners providing insight, feedback, and support throughout the Kingdom’s campaign.”
He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s “unwavering commitment to collaborate with all nations to deliver an Expo built by the world for the world and to find new pathways for collective action and collaboration.”
The foreign minister said the Kingdom will “provide facilities packages of $348 million to a pool of 100 eligible countries.”
With a rich history, the World Expo has brought nations together to exhibit advances in technology and cultural accomplishments.
The previous Expo 2020, was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with the overall focus being “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.”
It was a worldwide success, adding to the nation’s accomplishments, as it brought together 192 nations for the first time in the Expo’s more than 170-year history.
Over 24 million people attended the fair, which was hosted in an Arab nation for the first time in its history. Expo 2020 has now turned into Expo City Dubai.
Expos have served as venues for the introduction of ground-breaking inventions since their founding in 1851.
Examples of these include the light bulb, the Ferris wheel, and the Eiffel Tower itself, which was constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle.
