Winners of World Expo 2030: Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh.
Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian capital, has won the bid to host the World
Expo 2030, another victory for the country after last year's soccer
World Cup in Qatar. Riyadh beat Rome and Busan, its closest rivals.
Dubai, which held the last Expo, is using its US$7 billion site to
host the United Nations’ COP28 climate talks this month. Saudi Arabia
plans to spend some US$7.8 billion to build an Expo site, according to
AP.
Expressing gratitude to the nations that supported the Kingdom’s bid,
as well as to the two competing countries, HRH the Crown Prince said:
“The Kingdom’s selection as the host of the World Expo 2030 underlines
its influential and leading role, and the international confidence it
enjoys. Saudi Arabia has become an ideal destination for hosting major
international events, including the esteemed World Expo.”
Reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to holding an extraordinary and
unparalleled, edition of the World Expo, HRH the Crown Prince emphasised
the importance of being an active and positive role model in the drive
to shape a brighter future for humanity. The Expo will provide a global
platform that leverages cutting-edge technologies and brings together
the brightest minds to capitalise on opportunities and address the
challenges that the planet faces today.
“The World Expo 2030 coincides with a crucial year for the
realisation of the goals and plans outlined in Saudi Vision 2030,” said
HRH the Crown Prince.
“This Expo represents a remarkable opportunity to share with the
world the lessons learned from our unprecedented journey of
transformation.” HRH the Crown Prince stressed Riyadh’s readiness to
welcome the world at Expo 2030, and that it will fulfill the obligations
stipulated in the bid with the aim of achieving the main theme of the
expo, “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”, and its
sub-topics: “A Different Tomorrow”, “Climate Action”, and “Prosperity
for All”.
Since the inaugural event in 1851, Expos have launched inventions such as the light bulb and the Eiffel Tower.
These events now provide immense opportunities for host cities to
promote economic growth and global recognition. Held every five years,
the next one will be in Osaka in 2025.