A diplomatic victory for Saudi Arabia as it is chosen to host the World Expo 2030 – the five-yearly event that will showcase the best of the Kingdom and its transformational journey as well as attract millions of visitors and billions of dollars in investment
THE momentous announcement was made on 28th November 2023 by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which designated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the host for the global event which is scheduled to take place from October 2030 until March 2031 in Riyadh.
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, extended his congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the occasion of the Kingdom winning the bid.
Expressing gratitude to the nations that supported the Kingdom’s bid, as well as to the two competing countries (Busan, South Korea and Rome, Italy), 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 emphasized the importance of being an active and positive role model in the drive to shape a brighter future for humanity. The Expo is bound to provide a global platform that leverages cutting-edge technologies and brings together the brightest minds to capitalize on opportunities and address the challenges that the planet faces today.
“The World Expo 2030 coincides with a crucial year for the realization of the goals and plans outlined in Saudi Vision 2030,” stated HRH the Crown Prince. “This Expo represents a remarkable opportunity to share with the world the lessons learned from our unprecedented journey of transformation.”
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Vote count note: 119 countries voted for Riyadh while Busan and Rome received 29 and 17 votes respectively.
Quotable Quotes…
Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told reporters that his country was successful as it managed to “go and engage with our partners, listen to them, understand what their expectations are from Expo” and to anticipate “what should be delivered in order to get their trust.” He said the vote was an “expression of the trust of the international community” in its Expo bid but also to its Vision 2030 strategy, a master plan to diversify the economy away from oil and forge a more open society.
– Source: Politico.eu
