EXPO 2030 in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia unveiled an initial design on the proposed EXPO 2030 site in Riyadh in July 2024 and was told on Nov. 28 that it has been awarded EXPO 2030. The world exhibition will be held in Riyadh from Oct. 1, 2030 to March 31, 2031, with the theme "The era of change: together for a forward-looking future." It aims to attract 40 million visitors and 1 billion metaverse visitors from around the world.

The World's Fair has a rich history of bringing countries together to showcase technological innovations and cultural achievements. Since the first event in 1851, expositions have been platforms for introducing groundbreaking inventions such as the light bulb, the Ferris wheel, and the Eiffel Tower, which was built for the Exposition Universelle of 1889.

These events have evolved into not only celebrations of human ingenuity, but also opportunities for host cities to stimulate economic growth and global recognition. They are generally held every five years, in 2025 the EXPO took place in Osaka, Japan.

Impression EXPO Riyadh

The proposed site in Riyadh covers 6 million square meters and a "World Loop" avenue connecting pavilions from 197 countries and 29 organizations.

Accessibility EXPO Riyadh

EXPO 2030 Riyadh will be held a 10-minute drive from King Abdulaziz International Airport, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving in the city. The airport is set to serve as a world-class hub by 2030, with a capacity of around 120 million passengers.

Visitors can reach the exhibition site within minutes via Riyadh's metro network, which runs throughout the city and connects to one of the exhibition's three entrances and the modern road network.

Theme EXPO Riyadh

World exhibitions are organized around a central theme that provides a common framework for participating countries and organizations. Expo 2030 Riyadh will be held under the theme "Looking Ahead to Tomorrow," focusing on innovation, sustainability, and the collective power of countries to shape a better future for all and turn ideas into joint action.

Expo 2030 Riyadh invites the world to explore how societies can adapt to rapid technological change; how economies can become more resilient; and how we can build more sustainable futures for generations to come.

“Looking Ahead to Tomorrow – Expo 2030” encourages global cooperation through daily events and dialogue to tackle shared challenges, offering countries the opportunity to forge partnerships that deliver real impact.

Riyadh has three sub-themes that build on the main theme, "Looking Ahead to Tomorrow":

• Transformative Technology: focuses on innovations that improve lives around the world, with large-scale impact
• Sustainable Solutions: enabling growth without compromise through clean energy, circular systems, and ecological restoration
• Prosperous People: Ensures that progress strengthens humanity through education, inclusion, and well-being, placing people at the center of development.

Design EXPO Riyadh

The design of the exhibition reflects the ancient urban style, history, culture and nature of the city of Riyadh, according to members of the plan.

It also shows Saudi Arabia's shared concern with the rest of the world for the climate and its ambition to provide a future full of potential.

Moving around at EXPO Riyadh

With 197 pavilions, countries are placed side by side, symbolizing the promotion of global cooperation.

This will also facilitate visitors' travel and ensure easy movement between pavilions, public plazas, cultural and innovative facilities, restaurants and rest- and waiting areas. "We will ensure that we provide an exceptional experience for visitors to the exhibition," Lamia bint Abdulaziz, a member of the team behind the EXPO plan for Riyadh 2030, told BIE members.

"We will also work to enable full and balanced participation, adding value to all participating countries, and we will provide an unprecedented high-quality experience for more than 40 million visitors," she added.

In addition, visitors to the exhibition can walk through fully shaded corridors with designs inspired by Riyadh's architectural heritage.

Riyadh EXPO 2030 will also include a modern green oasis within one of the tributaries of Wadi As-Sulai, which will run through the exhibition site.

At the heart of Riyadh EXPO 2030, a landmark will be built, supported by 197 columns representing participating countries. Three pavilions, each representing the exhibition's sub-themes – "Transformative Technology," "Sustainable Solutions," and "Prosperous People" – will surround the landmark.

The exhibition will also feature the Collaborative Change Corner (C3), an area that will stimulate innovation and creativity during the journey to and beyond Riyadh EXPO 2030.

The C3 aims to show how collaboration between the brightest minds in scientific, social and intellectual innovation can accelerate the changes that will shape our future.

What makes a visit to EXPO Riyadh worthwhile?

A global celebration
Expo 2030 Riyadh will be a vibrant six-month celebration where countries come together to share innovation, creativity, and culture through daily events, exhibitions, and performances.

An unparalleled visitor experience
Visitors will enjoy immersive activities, world-class pavilions, and dynamic artistic presentations that reflect the diversity and imagination of 197 countries.

Endless possibilities to discover
With festivals, live performances, interactive installations, and family-friendly zones, Expo 2030 Riyadh offers endless opportunities for discovery, learning, and fun for all ages.

Meaningful human connections
From cultural performances to international gatherings and community events, Expo 2030 Riyadh fosters valuable encounters and celebrates the joy of cultures coming together.

Accessibility and seamless mobility
Visitors enjoy a seamlessly connected and universally accessible experience thanks to a uniquely designed master plan featuring shaded walkways, green corridors, parks, and direct metro connections.

An expression of warm hospitality
With a wide range of hotels spread across the grounds, visitors can experience various forms of hospitality.

Saudi culture brought to life
Souks, storytelling, design, and much more invite visitors to experience the Kingdom's rich heritage and culture in an authentic way.

Unforgettable moments
A calendar full of leading events, surprising spectacles, and crowd-pulling experiences that will surprise and enchant visitors throughout the entire six-month celebration.