Saudi Arabia Wins Bid to Host World Expo 2030, Showcasing Vision for the Future

by  EVENTFAQS Bureau Industry Watch | November 29, 2023 | News

Saudi Arabia World Expo

Saudi Arabia has clinched the hosting rights for the World Expo in 2030, securing a major win for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The decision, determined by the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris, saw 119 out of 165 votes favoring Saudi Arabia over South Korea and Italy.

This victory is a significant step for Prince Mohammed's ongoing efforts to reshape the kingdom's global image, particularly through the 'Vision 2030' plan aimed at diversifying the nation's oil-dependent economy. The Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh won the right 30 world fair, vote results showed on Tuesday, in another diplomatic victory for a Gulf country after last year's soccer World Cup in Qatar

The World Expo offers a platform for Saudi Arabia to exhibit its accomplishments and promote the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. The bid highlighted futuristic megaprojects envisioned by Prince Mohammed, including a unique cube-shaped structure referred to as "a gateway to another world."

Saudi Arabia's campaign featured extravagant events to woo international delegates, with reports of a lavish dinner featuring blue lobster tail and ossetra caviar. The bid presentation in Paris included a video endorsement from Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently joined the Saudi national league in a deal valued at around $200 million.

This triumph places Saudi Arabia in the global spotlight for 2030, reinforcing the kingdom's aspirations as a significant hub for business and tourism.

"We had a fantastic team of ministers going around the world, engaging our counterparts in a very, very active way to understand what they expected, what they were looking for and what we should deliver in order to gain their trust," said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.