BIE gives final nod to Expo 2030 Riyadh registration dossier

Expo 2030 Riyadh’s registration dossier has received final approval during the Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) general assembly in Paris, marking the final step in confirming Saudi Arabia as the official host country for the upcoming Expo.

BIE also handed over the World Expo flag to the Kingdom’s delegation, the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The Saudi delegation was led by Minister of State, Cabinet Member and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) Ibrahim Al-Sultan, along with Saudi Ambassador in France Fahad bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaily, and other officials.

The registration dossier serves as a comprehensive blueprint, highlighting the Kingdom’s vision of hosting an exceptional Expo that reflects its ambitions towards innovation and global collaboration.

Al-Sultan extended his thanks and gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continuous support in the Kingdom's hosting of this crucial global exhibition.

“The approval of the registration dossier in record time highlights the Kingdom’s leadership on the global stage and underscores the world’s confidence in Saudi Arabia’s vision and capabilities,” he said.

“It also reflects the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the teams involved in preparing and reviewing the registration dossier. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the Kingdom’s journey to deliver an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the World Expo, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives,” Al-Sultan stated.

Riyadh is the first Expo host to complete and submit its registration dossier in such a short timeframe—almost half the time usually required for this kind of dossier. The approval of the registration dossier unlocks the next phase of formal preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh, which includes extending official invitations to international participants through diplomatic channels.

Set to take place from Oct. 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh will be one of the largest Expos ever, held on a six million square metre (sqm) site. The site is designed to welcome over 40 million visits through world-class infrastructure, hospitality venues, and cutting-edge facilities.

The site will ensure an unforgettable experience for all participants and visitors, with a target of more than 195 participating nations.

Furthermore, the approval of the registration dossier also underscores Saudi Arabia’s readiness to deliver a world-class Expo.

With its bold vision, strategic planning, and unwavering support from the Kingdom’s leadership, Expo 2030 Riyadh is poised to be a landmark event that inspires progress, fosters innovation, and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.

In November 2023, BIE announced Saudi Arabia as the World Expo 2030 host. Riyadh garnered a total of 119 out of 173 votes, or 69% of the total. Two other cities, Busan, South Korea, and Rome, Italy, competed against Riyadh.