Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh was chosen to host the 2030 World Expo following its bid that focused on shaping a prosperous and sustainable future, beating out Rome and the South Korean port city of Busan for an event expected to draw millions of visitors.
Competing against South Korea’s Busan and Italy’s Rome, Riyadh emerged victorious after a single round of voting, securing a two-thirds majority with 119 votes from the 165 members of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions during a closed-door meeting on 29 November. Busan got 29 votes and Rome 17.
The World Expo, with a rich history dating back to 1851, has served as a platform for nations to exhibit technological innovations and cultural achievements. These events have evolved into not just celebrations of human ingenuity but also opportunities for host cities to drive economic growth and gain global recognition, as seen in the case of Expo 2020 held in Dubai three years ago.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, welcomed the vote as an “expression of the trust that the international community has in what we have to offer… but also in its alignment with our own vision (for) 2030 and everything that we advocate for, which is a shared pathway to prosperity for all of the countries of the world.”
Each city presented distinctive visions and made ambitious pledges to win the rights to host this globally significant event, which occurs every five years and attracts millions of visitors and substantial investment.
Saudi’s USD7.8 billion plans include a major public transit network and a futuristic, round space with public parks, e-game facilities, large scale performance stages and sport venues. The project includes a focus on “accelerating innovations” to preserve natural ecosystems.
“The legacy of Riyadh Expo 2030 will go beyond the buildings,” Prince Faisal added, promising “fantastic” architecture. “We are about a journey, a journey that brings the world together… So that will be the legacy, working together for a brighter, more prosperous future.”
Saudi Arabia, which hopes the Expo will bring 40 million of visitors to its capital city, mounted a significant marketing campaign, featuring a ‘Riyadh 2030’ exhibit near the Eiffel Tower and extensive advertising across Paris. The Saudi bid, seeking to diversify the kingdom’s economy and boost its international stature, notably received official support from French President Emmanuel Macron.
