Riyadh opens its arms to the world with Expo 2030 bid

The total investment allocated to the event, amounting to $15.6bn, will generate a total added value estimated at $22bn and create more than 560,000 jobs

Nash Weerasekera

If Saudi Arabia wins the bid, Riyadh Expo 2030 will coincide with the completion of Vision 2030 cementing the Kingdom's commitment to modernisation and excellence.

Riyadh opens its arms to the world with Expo 2030 bid

Khaled Kassar

last update on 18 Jun 2023

Saudi Arabia is abuzz with change, in line with the country's strategic and ambitious Vision 2030 programme. The Kingdom understands that regional and international prestige is no longer solely focused on economic and political achievements.

This is evident in the unique set of challenges the world has recently faced, including climate change, the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war and technological advancements — particularly artificial intelligence

These challenges require a new, transformative vision through which mankind can forge a better, less turbulent future for the generations to come. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of leading countries that are determined to tackle these challenges.

Saudi Arabia’s nomination to host Expo 2030 – along with three other countries (South Korea, Italy, and Ukraine) – isn’t just about hosting a prestigious international exhibition on its soil.

The Kingdom has already drawn up detailed plans for the global exhibition and presented them to members of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris in December 2022 under the proposed theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”. It has earmarked a site north of the capital Riyadh to host the gathering.

Reuters — French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, at the Elysee Palace on June 16, 2023.

These plans include overall engineering, logistics, technical, entertainment, economic, touristic, smart infrastructure, and sustainability aspects – with a vision aimed at “leaving a strong legacy and resoundingly proving that a brighter and more sustainable future can be achieved by all countries and peoples.”

The total investment allocated to the event, amounting to $15.6bn, will generate a total added value estimated at $22bn and create more than 560,000 jobs.

The total investment allocated to the event, amounting to $15.6bn, will generate a total added value estimated at $22bn and create more than 560,000 jobs.

Creating impact

The criterion of success is not only about the number of visitors, revenue and jobs created by the event but also the impact it can achieve and the change it can affect. It hopes to bring the aspirations and hopes of visitors to fruition and involve them in the process of innovation, renewal and achievement of the desired change.

International exhibitions are a platform for meeting, sharing, and dialoguing among countries with the aim of encouraging cooperation and creativity in order to address existing and future global challenges.

Through these events, a wide range of innovations are showcased that contribute to scientific and technological progress. Additionally, the World Expo offers engaging and educational activities that attract the brightest minds from around the world and tens of millions of visitors.

The World Expo — which takes place every five years and lasts for six months — is the largest global gathering in terms of size, international participation, duration and number of visitors, and serves as a hub for productive communication between governments, companies, international organisations, and people.

Saudi Arabia's first participation in a World Expo dates back to 1958 in Brussels; since then, the Kingdom has been actively present in international and specialised exhibitions.

Saudi Arabia's planned C3 corner at its Royal Stand (short for Collaborative Change Corner) will feature futuristic presentations where the Kingdom can share its visions, ideas, innovations, and creative solutions to national and international challenges with the people of the world.

The central theme of Riyadh Expo 2030 and its sub-themes – "a better tomorrow," "climate action," and "prosperity for all" – are in line with the spirit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. The sub-themes are centred on preparing for a drastically different future than we live today — a tomorrow defined by science, innovation, technology and the opportunities technology will provide

Riyadh Expo 2030 aims to equip global communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to confront the rapid impact of climate change and work toward innovative, out-of-the-box solutions to the management of natural resources, ecosystems, and crises resulting from their imbalances.

The third theme celebrates differences between peoples as a source of richness, diversity, and power and calls for action to address peoples' needs toward an inclusive world of prosperity for all.

The central theme of Riyadh Expo 2030 and its sub-themes – "a better tomorrow," "climate action," and "prosperity for all" – are in line with the spirit of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.

Vision 2030 comes to fruition

If it wins the bid, the Riyadh Expo 2030 will coincide with the completion of the country's ambitious Vision 2030 reform programme spearheaded by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman.

The Kingdom is gradually diversifying its economy – the largest in the Middle East, exceeding a trillion dollars in 2022 according to the IMF and characterised by constancy and stability – by boosting non-oil government revenues from SAR 163bn ($43.5bn) to SAR 1tn ($267bn) by 2030. The country holds about 17% of the world's proven oil reserves and aspires to become one of the world's top 10 economies.

As part of its Vision 2030, the Kingdom has heavily invested in the construction of ports, railways, roads, airports, and airlines. It is continuously developing — in partnership with the private sector — to enhance these structures and link existing commercial centres to the country's regional periphery, while also opening up new trade routes.

Saudi Arabia has also become a global tourist destination, which is expected to steadily grow ahead of Expo 2030. On its part, Riyadh is on track to becoming one of the most liveable cities in the world, a preferred destination for global companies and talents, and a major hub for healthcare, education, and research facilities.

The Kingdom ranked 19th among the world's tourist destinations in 2023, with non-resident tourists exceeding 18 million. With an additional 60 million domestic tourists, the Kingdom is the largest tourist destination in the Middle East.

At least four Saudi cities are among the top 100 tourist destinations in the world. Even before the launch of tourism in the Kingdom and the lifting of visa restrictions on many leisure visitors from around the world, Riyadh was among the 50 most visited cities in the world with more than 5 million foreign tourists.

As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has allocated $810bn in investment in cultural and entertainment projects over the next decade.

Riyadh is on track to becoming one of the most liveable cities in the world, a preferred destination for global companies and talents, and a major hub for healthcare, education, and research facilities.

While the Kingdom's Public Investment Fund ranks sixth in the world in terms of total assets, the Kingdom has become a hub for international finance, hosting 44 regional headquarters for global companies, and aims to reach 500 regional headquarters by 2030.

And of course, the Kingdom's achievements in outer space cannot go unrecognised. Its leaps in science and astronomy have culminated in the recent and historic trip by Saudi astronauts to the International Space Station where they carried out scientific research experiments.

Strategic location

The Kingdom's strategic location between continents and in the heart of both the Arab and Islamic worlds and its close link to the global economy – allow it to strengthen its traditional and cultural ties and opportunities for humanity to converge in order to find solutions to the world's greatest dilemmas.

With half of the world's population within five-hour trips from the Kingdom, and 300 million visitors capable of visiting it within three hours, the Kingdom's unique and interconnected geographical location incentives countries to participate in the Expo.

Riyadh has a proven track record of organising a wide range of high-calibre global conferences, gatherings, events, and sports festivals. This includes the G20 summit, the Spanish Super Cup football tournament, the Riyadh Season, the 2022 Saudi Games, and the MDLBEAST Soundstorm music festival, which proves the City's eligibility to offer an exciting and innovative event.

Saudi Arabia has already proved its capabilities at Expo 2020 in Dubai. Its stand won the best large stand award and set a record for 4.6 million visits.

AFP — Visitors queue outside the Saudi Pavilion on the last day of Expo 2020, in Dubai, on March 31, 2022.

It also was awarded a platinum certificate from the American Green Building Council for being one of the most sustainable structures in the world (it contained 650 solar panels made in Saudi Arabia). The stand was praised for setting a record 4.6 million visits by the event's end.

With half of the world's population within five-hour trips from the Kingdom, and 300 million visitors capable of visiting it within three hours, the Kingdom's unique and interconnected geographical location incentives countries to participate in the Expo.

Features of Riyadh Expo 2030

The design of Riyadh Expo 2030's site in northern Riyadh spans an area of 6 million square meters of interactive spaces, stands, and logistics facilities. The proposed site mirrors the "oases" and "gardens" of Riyadh, blending the ancient heritage around the valley of the city with the future.

Riyadh is an ideal city to host the World Expo in 2030 and welcome visitors from all over the world.#RiyadhExpo2030 pic.twitter.com/vfpF4whPzw
— Riyadh Expo 2030 (@Riyadh_Expo2030) May 31, 2023

It will be built with the aim of enhancing the natural environment rather than agitating it, reflecting the Kingdom's vision to lead a sustainable future for cities and their communities. It's close to King Khalid International Airport and the most prominent landmarks and destinations in Riyadh.

Among the supporting infrastructures set to be built will be: The largest public transport network in the world, one of the largest parks in a city, and a huge greening project – this will transform the entire city of Riyadh into an open-air art gallery. The site will also include recreational facilities, including spaces for electronic games, sports, and cultural activities.

Riyadh Expo 2030 is expected to receive about 40 million visits from about 22 million visitors, and attract 1billion visits to the revolutionary metaverse technology space – the first of its kind in Expos – over the six-month event.

The site's master plan is designed to accommodate 226 official participants, including 196 countries – alongside Saudi Arabia – and 29 international organisations, in seven key sectors, including technology, energy, financial services, aerospace, telecommunications, consumer goods, healthcare, hospitality, tourism, and automotive manufacturing.

This is an ambitious but achievable goal with diverse incentives for countries, including assistance packages provided to 100 developing countries.

The Riyadh Expo 2030 will coincide with the tourist season in Gulf Arab countries which will attract a greater number of tourists to the rich landmarks, vibrant festivals, and cultural programmes that accompany the exhibition.

Riyadh Expo 2030 is expected to receive about 40 million visits from about 22 million visitors, and attract 1 billion visits to the revolutionary metaverse technology space – the first of its kind in Expos – over the six-month event.

Focus on sustainability

Sustainability will form the core of Riyadh Expo 2030, reaffirming the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to embrace local, regional, and global environmental initiatives, and its full support for the UN SDGs, the Paris Climate Accords, carbon neutrality, and other global strategies meant to address the impacts of climate change.

The Kingdom has translated this commitment through developing and implementing programmes, policies, and initiatives to achieve its climate goals, including the Green Saudi Arabia Initiative, the Circular Carbon Economy National Programme, and the National Renewable Energy Programme.

Nicola Ferrarese

For its part, the sustainability strategy of Riyadh Expo 2030 will adopt a circular economy approach in terms of consumption of energy, water, and materials at the site, promoting the use of clean energy, saving energy use in permanent and temporary infrastructure, and raising the efficiency of water use.

In addition, the assets of Riyadh Expo 2030 will be reused after the event, including the site, its structures, devices, equipment, clothing, souvenirs, and other items.

The sustainability strategy of Riyadh Expo 2030 will adopt a circular economy approach regarding energy, water, and material consumption at the site. The Expo assets will be reused after the event, including the site, its structures, devices, equipment, clothing, souvenirs, and other items.

The universality of Riyadh Expo 2030 stems from its quest to present a blueprint for a better and more stable future for all in 2030. This is a goal that can only be achieved through concerted global efforts to clearly and consistently monitor and evaluate the UN SDGs and facilitate the identification of new development goals in close cooperation among countries.

The aim is to affect continuous change in the behaviour and policies of nations and prepare the generations to come for a more equitable future. The new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Saudi Arabia (2022-2026) reflects the Kingdom's active engagement and positive impact on emerging developmental challenges.

The expo may be seen as a unique event and a qualitative opportunity, elevating the host country to new levels of brilliance and global cultural integration.

It also is reflected in the Kingdom's ability to turn visions into achievements as evidenced by several revolutionary and complex projects built across the Kingdom that combine history, archaeology, biodiversity and innovation. Examples include Qiddiya, Neom, Misk City and the Red Sea Project.

The promise of Riyadh Expo 2030 marks an important milestone in the history of the World Expo, as well as in the cooperation between countries and peoples.

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