Arabian Business – July 30, 2023

Saudi Arabia has allocated $7.8 billion for Riyadh Expo 2030

Saudi Arabia has revealed its readiness to welcome over 120 million visitors for Expo 2030 in a new video on Twitter.

Titled ‘Riyadh, ready to welcome the world in Expo 2030,’ the 39-second clip showcased the cityscape of Riyadh, highlighting the nation’s remarkable journey into becoming a modern metropolis.

At the heart of Expo 2030 lies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable growth, a central theme that the kingdom aims to emphasise if it wins the bid.

The video touted the event as the “most connected exhibition ever,” with Riyadh Air serving as the partner company, facilitating seamless travel for visitors from all corners of the globe.

The ambitious goal is to transport visitors from the airport to the site in just five minutes, offering unparalleled convenience.

The kingdom has already allocated $7.8 Billion for Riyadh Expo 2030. Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih explained that the exhibition budget amounts to $7.8 billion, motivating the Saudi broader investment plans in Riyadh, as per a statement by the official Riyadh Expo 2030 website.

Scheduled to take place from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, Riyadh Expo 2030 plans to explore the theme of “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.”

The location near the developing King Salman International Airport ensures easy accessibility for attendees arriving in the city.

Competition for hosting rights is fierce, with Busan, South Korea, Rome, and Odessa in Ukraine all competing to win the opportunity to host the prestigious event.

The final decision will be announced in November.

Back on June 19, Saudi Arabia unveiled the master plan for Riyadh Expo 2030 during an official reception in Paris, France. Delegates from 179 member countries of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) attended the event.

The Riyadh Expo 2030 site will showcase 226 pavilions, representing various countries positioned side by side, symbolising the kingdom’s pivotal role in fostering global cooperation.

The exhibition site will be powered by clean energy sourced from solar power, adhering to high standards of resource efficiency.

Additionally, the organisers are actively working on strategies to enhance biodiversity, minimise food waste, and establish green waste management and recycling practices.

However, Saudi Arabia is not the first GCC country to host the World Expo.

Back in 2021, Dubai became the first city to host a World Expo among the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region.

This was the first World Expo held in these regions in 170 years.

Due to the onset of Covid-19, Expo 2020 Dubai had been postponed for a year. However, they retained the title and conducted the six-month long event, welcoming over 24 million visitors from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

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