Saudi Arabia elected Host Country of World Expo 2030

A two-thirds majority of Member States voted for Saudi Arabia’s project to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”, between 1 October 2030 and 31 March 2031.

Three countries were in the running to host World Expo 2030. In addition to Saudi Arabia, the other candidates were the Republic of Korea (Busan) with the theme “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future” and Italy (Rome) with the theme “People and Territories: Regeneration, Inclusion and Innovation”.

Following the announcement of the election results, the Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes stated: “On behalf of the BIE, I offer my warm congratulations to Saudi Arabia on its election as host country of World Expo 2030. In the coming years, we look forward to working closely with Saudi Arabia to bring the world together in Riyadh under the theme, “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”.”

Eligible and present Member States, represented by government-appointed delegates, elected the host country in a secret ballot using electronic voting, on the principle of one country, one vote. Securing 119 votes in the first round, Saudi Arabia was elected outright, as it received the two-thirds majority required.

Main Image :The Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes (left) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan, during a press conference organised following Saudi Arabia’s election as World Expo 2030 host country