Expo 2030 Riyadh: Main site construction to break ground in Q3 2026

Murad AlSayed, Chief Delivery Officer of Expo 2030 Riyadh Co., expects construction on the project’s main buildings to commence in the third quarter of 2026.

The year will see an accelerated pace of awarding engineering contracts for Expo 2030 Riyadh, he told Al Eqtisadiah, adding that the contracts include the Saudi Pavilion and the Iconic Pavilion.

He added that construction of participating country pavilions will begin in mid-year, along with the awarding of two additional infrastructure project contracts.

AlSayed pointed out that 2025 marked the actual foundation year, during which the focus was on awarding engineering contracts for various facilities and on the start of site preparation work. More than 1.5 million square meters (sqm) have been leveled so far, representing 25% of the total Expo site area.

He said contracts have currently been awarded to four national companies for site preparation and infrastructure works, as well as to six global engineering firms, including four Saudi companies.

According to Argaam data, the master plan for Expo 2030 Riyadh spans an area of six million sqm north of Riyadh, near the future King Salman International Airport (KSIA), making it one of the largest Expo sites in the event’s history and providing direct connectivity to several major landmarks.

Expo 2030 Riyadh is expected to attract more than 40 million visitors.

Late last year, Expo 2030 Riyadh announced the award of the main contract for infrastructure and core utilities works to Nesma & Partners.