Saudi Arabia to host World Expo 2030

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has been elected by the Member States of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) to host World Expo 2030.

Having secured 119 votes in the first round, i.e., two-thirds majority, Saudi Arabia’s project was elected 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.

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.”

Saudi officials had mentioned earlier this year that if elected to host the Expo Riyadh would be ready to welcome 120 million visitors by the turn of the decade.

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.”

The most recent World Expo, Expo 2020 Dubai, took place under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” and received over 24 million visitors. 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.”