Saudi Arabia launches global campaign to host Expo 2030
Could the global fair be returning to the Middle East in eight years?
The curtain may be coming down on Expo 2020 Dubai this week, but Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 is only just beginning. At the closing ceremony of the Saudi Pavilion in Dubai on Monday, Saudi Arabia launched an ambitious global campaign to support its bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh in 8 years’ time.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Fahd Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said: “Millions of people who visited the award-winning Saudi pavilion got a glimpse of the future that the Kingdom and its capital are building. Today is just the start of showing what Riyadh has to offer for Expo 2030.”
The #RCRC announced the launch of the global campaign for the capital’s bid to host Expo 2030, during a dazzling closing ceremony at the Kingdom’s pavilion at #Expo2020 #Dubai#Riyadh_Expo2030
For more details, please visit:https://t.co/aDN5bavGJR pic.twitter.com/w3F03Jdlwl
— الهيئة الملكية لمدينة الرياض (@RiyadhDevelop) March 29, 2022
The Saudi Arabia Pavilion, the second largest of Expo’s 192 pavilions, proved a big hit over the 6-month spectacle, with millions getting a glimpse of Saudi’s rich history, geographical and cultural diversity. So impactful was the pavilion, it was recognised with not one, but two awards by Exhibitor, a magazine that hands out awards during each expo. The Saudi Pavilion was awarded best pavilion in the large suites category, and also took home an honourary award in the category of best exterior design and best display.
The letter announcing Riyadh’s intention to bid for Expo 2030 was first submitted on October 29, 2021 on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister. Saudi Arabia is one of five countries in the running to be the host nation of Expo 2030. South Korea, Italy, Ukraine and Russia have all entered bids.
The delayed Expo 2020 Dubai will close its doors after six months and more than 20 million visits on March 31, 2022. The next Expo will take place in Osaka, Japan in 2025, before the Expo 2030 takes place in a still-to-be-decided location. The host country of World Expo 2030 will be elected in a General Assembly in late 2023.
Image: Expo 2020 Dubai