Saudi Arabia Allocates $7.8 Billion for Riyadh Expo 2030

Paris, June 21, 2023, SPA — The Saudi delegation presented the Kingdom’s candidacy file to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh to Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) members at the organization’s 172nd General Assembly held in Paris on Tuesday.

The Saudi file, “Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,” focuses on technology, innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation. Thanks to the support package the Kingdom will provide, it aims to provide equal exhibition spaces for all participating countries.

During his speech at the General Assembly, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that Expo 2030 presents an opportunity to promote work on projects with a global impact and to cooperate in finding global solutions to common challenges through innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Prince Faisal noted that these values lie at the heart of the Riyadh Expo 2030 bid.

He indicated that they also come based on the Kingdom’s strong and continuous commitment to developing countries by providing an assistance program to ensure the representation of the largest and most diverse group of countries and cultures.

“The Riyadh bid to host Expo 2030 includes a package of programs, which involves allocating $343 million to help 100 countries in areas such as pavilion construction, maintenance, technical support, travel, and events,” the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs said.

He also revealed that the Kingdom would work on developing more support programs alongside its leading partners worldwide and private sector companies, noting that this reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive global exhibition.

During the assembly, Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to the United States of America, said that Saudi ambition is very high, and its achievements are even more significant, stressing that the Kingdom will be fully prepared to host Expo 2030.

“During the eight years since the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom has witnessed changes and developments that surpass what has been accomplished in the past 80 years of its history, and Riyadh is a part of this [success] story,” Princess Reema said.

“Now millions are discovering Saudi Arabia for the first time, and in 2030, the Riyadh Expo will welcome 40 million visitors to experience a unique blend of cultures and various pavilions. Visitors to the exhibition will be our priority and focus,” she said.

Minister of Investment Eng. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih explained that the exhibition budget amounts to $7.8 billion, motivating the Saudi broader investment plans in Riyadh.

Eng. Khalid indicated that this also comes as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which targets national-level investments of over $3.3 trillion by the end of the decade, with at least 30% allocated to the city of Riyadh.

“The Kingdom has over 25,000 international companies, with more than 8 million employees from over 130 countries,” the Saudi Investment Minister said, emphasizing that more will be attracted to participate in the Expo project.

Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, said, “We are ready to move forward immediately, and we are planning to build the Riyadh Expo 2030. I can guarantee the readiness of the exhibition by 2028.”

The following General Assembly of the BIE will be held in November 2023, during which the winning city to host Expo 2030 will be announced via a secret ballot, with each member state of the Bureau having one vote.