360Riyadh wins the right to host Expo 2030
On 28 November 2023, member states of the Bureau International des Expositions voted in Paris to award World Expo 2030 to Riyadh. The Saudi capital won 119 votes, far ahead of Busan and Rome. Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 2030 to March 2031, welcoming visitors from around the world.
World Expos are among the largest international events, held every five years, where countries showcase ideas, culture and innovation. Past Expos gave the world landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower.
Saudi Arabia presented Riyadh's bid under the theme 'The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow'.
At the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris on 28 November 2023, Riyadh won in the first round with 119 votes. South Korea's Busan received 29 votes and Italy's Rome 17.
Expo 2030 Riyadh is planned to run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031. The Kingdom expects tens of millions of visits, and new transport, hotels and public spaces are being built across the city.
Together with the 2034 FIFA World Cup, the Expo marks Saudi Arabia's growing role as a host of global events under Vision 2030.
- 2022
- Riyadh's candidacy submitted
- 28 November 2023
- Riyadh wins the vote
- 1 October 2030
- Expo 2030 Riyadh is due to open
- 31 March 2031
- Expo 2030 Riyadh is due to close
Sources: Bureau International des Expositions · Saudi Press Agency · Expo 2030 Riyadh.