Saudi Arabia Capital Riyadh Set to Host World Expo 2030 Fair

In a major victory for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of the Kingdom, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, will host World Expo 2030 working to change the authoritarian nation’s reputation abroad. Following the World Cup of Soccer in Qatar last year, the vote results indicated that a Gulf nation had achieved yet another diplomatic win. Rome, Italy, and Busan, South Korea’s port city, were also considered to host the event. It takes place every five years and brings in billions of dollars in investment and millions of visitors.

World Expo 2030 Ballot

Through electronic voting, a secret ballot was cast, and Riyadh was officially confirmed as Osaka’s 2025 successor host. Results from 182 members of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) showed that Riyadh won 119, Busan 29, and Rome 17. For Saudi Arabia to prevail in the first round, two-thirds of the votes were required. It was the first time a candidate had won in the first round of voting, with two-thirds of the votes in twenty years. The victory is the cherry on top of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s massive Vision 2030 initiative, which tries to wean the nation off its reliance on oil.

Dubai congratulates Saudi on their successful bid

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, congratulated the Saudi Arabian government and people on this momentous occasion. It is anticipated that the occasion will symbolize the realization of Vision 2030. Furthermore, it will highlight the Kingdom’s accomplishments, with a special emphasis on hospitality, tourism, and culture.

I extend my sincere congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the people of Saudi Arabia for the Kingdom's successful bid to host Expo 2030. Through resounding support for Riyadh Expo 2030, the international community continues to…

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) November 28, 2023

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Previous World Expo Fairs

The theme of the previous Expo 2020 was “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.” It was hosted in the dazzling Persian Gulf emirate of Dubai. For the first time in the Expo’s more than 170-year history, it brought together 192 nations. This made it a global success and a testament to the country’s achievements. For the first time in its history, the fair was held in an Arab country. Over 24 million people attended. Expo 2020 is currently known as Expo City Dubai.

Examples of Innovative Inventions at the World Expo

Winning the vote in the French capital, where the Eiffel Tower was constructed for the exposition in 1889, offers nations the chance to draw attention from around the world, millions of visitors, money, and prestige, as well as develop infrastructure and jobs. Since its founding in 1851, Expo has been used as a venue for the introduction of innovative inventions. The light bulb and the Ferris wheel are a few examples of these. Furthermore, the Eiffel Tower itself—which was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle is also included in these.

Here’s what they said

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said

I would like to thank the 130 countries that have already announced their support for the Kingdom’s bid. Distinguished dignitaries, you have all acted as indispensable partners providing insight, feedback, and support throughout the Kingdom’s campaign. 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.

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