Foresight for Tomorrow: Saudi Arabia Prepares for Expo 2030
A National Vision Brought to Life
A World Expo is a large international exhibition where countries from around the world come together to showcase their achievements in areas like technology, culture, innovation, and sustainability. Held every five years and lasting up to six months, it serves as a global platform for sharing ideas and building international cooperation around a central theme.
Expo 2030 is set to be the crown jewel in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national transformation blueprint aimed at diversifying the economy, reducing dependence on oil, and positioning itself as a global and regional leader. This international exposition, scheduled to run from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, will serve as a stage to showcase Saudi Arabia’s remarkable progress in infrastructure, technology, culture, and diplomacy.
The Expo site will be located near King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, integrating cutting-edge architecture with smart city principles. With over 226 hectares planned, it promises to be a model of futuristic urban development powered by renewable energy and intelligent transport systems.
Global Partnerships and Sustainability
Saudi Arabia’s Expo vision places strong emphasis on collaboration and sustainability. The event will serve as a hub for dialogue and partnerships between countries, industries, and civil societies. In line with global climate goals, the Expo site will be built with green technologies and carbon neutrality in mind.
The Kingdom has pledged to make Expo 2030 the most sustainable Expo in history. This includes smart waste management systems, renewable energy infrastructure, and eco-friendly public transport. The Expo will also feature pavilions and showcases from countries around the world, each sharing ideas and innovations for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
A Cultural Showcase and Technological Marvel
Cultural exchange will play a central role in the Expo experience. Visitors will have the chance to explore Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage alongside its contemporary art, music, and culinary scenes. This blending of tradition and modernity reflects a country proud of its past and confident in its future.
Technologically, the Expo is expected to be groundbreaking. Plans include the use of artificial intelligence, immersive digital experiences, and smart infrastructure to create a seamless visitor journey. Saudi Arabia aims to not only host a world-class event but to redefine what a World Expo can be in the digital age.
Infrastructure Boom and Economic Impact
The lead-up to Expo 2030 has already catalysed an infrastructure boom. Riyadh is undergoing significant enhancements, including the expansion of its metro system, the construction of new roads, hotels, and conference centres, and a massive investment in tourism and hospitality.
Economists project that Expo 2030 will generate billions in revenue, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and accelerate foreign direct investment. It is also expected to draw more than 40 million visitors—both physical and virtual—making it one of the largest gatherings in history.
Human-Centered Planning
What sets Saudi Arabia’s approach apart is its human-centered focus. The Kingdom is designing Expo 2030 with accessibility, inclusion, and education at its core. Special attention is being paid to youth engagement, ensuring that younger generations participate in shaping the narratives and innovations of the future.
The event will include educational programs, innovation labs, and sustainability initiatives that extend far beyond the Expo grounds, aiming to leave a lasting social legacy both locally and globally. Last month, The Public Investment Fund (PIF), the soverign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, has officially launched the Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC), a fully owned subsidiary, to develop and manage the infrastructure for planned expo. The company will also be responsible for maintaining the event’s long-term legacy.
The kingdom’s preparation for Expo 2030 is a bold invitation to the world to imagine, innovate, and build together. It could be a bridge for leaders, innovators, and builders from the East and the West to come together and to collaborate towards sustainable and prosperous future that goes beyond political agendas.
Sources :
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2444156/saudi-arabia
https://www.biztoday.news/2025/06/20/pif-launches-new-company-to-deliver-expo-2030-riyadh/
https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2023/11/28/Riyadh-wins-bid-to-host-World-Expo-2030
