Riyadh| Forum of Horn Vision "HAPC"

Saturday|May30 , 2026

In a historic achievement that enhances the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position on the international map, the Bureau International of Expositions ( BIE ) , based in Paris, announced that the capital, Riyadh, has officially won the right to host Expo 2030.

This announcement came after a decisive voting session held by the General Assembly of the Bureau, where the Kingdom secured the result in its favor from the first round with a voting percentage of 72% , garnering 119 votes out of a total of 165 votes.

Saudi Arabia faced competition from two countries; South Korea came in second with 29 votes, followed by Italy in third place with 17 votes.

An Exceptional Version Leading the ” Era of Change “:

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the Kingdom’s ambition to deliver an unprecedented experience, noting that the bid to host aims to present an exceptional edition in the history of the exhibition.

Logo for “Expo2030” in Riyadh and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

In the same context, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the meeting, stated : ” We will organize a historic edition of Expo 2030 , and we will present an exhibition that will completely change the equation … We welcome the world to Expo 2030 in Riyadh”.

The exhibition is scheduled to take place in the north of the capital, Riyadh, under the slogan (The Era of Change: Together We Envision the Future) , from October 1, 2030 to March 31 , 2031.

Expected Figures and Targets for the Riyadh Exhibition:

Expo is classified as the ” Olympics of Culture and Technology”, and is the third largest global event after the World Cup and the Olympics in terms of investment volume and visitor numbers.

The exhibition highlights the provision of solutions to critical challenges facing planet Earth, such as climate change, energy, and water crises .

Through hosting this event, the Kingdom aims to achieve significant figures and gains, with an expected participation of 195 countries from around the world, totaling 40 million visits during the event, in addition to strategic returns. According to the Saudi Foreign Minister “the event is expected to stimulate the investment sector, create a massive tourism, economic boost, and most importantly, showcase the Kingdom’s remarkable progress to the world”.

Echoes of Victory: International Celebrations and Congratulations:

 Following the announcement of the result, scenes of joy and grand celebrations spread throughout the various regions, most notably the capital, Riyadh.

Congratulatory messages also poured in from leaders of Arab countries, who considered this victory a qualitative addition to the record of economic and historical achievements of the Kingdom.

On the international level, the Executive Secretary of the International Development Association ( IGAD ) , Workneh Gebeyehu , offered his warmest congratulations to the Kingdom, its leadership, government and people.

Qabiu described this victory as a great achievement that reflects the trust and high standing that Saudi Arabia enjoys in international circles, stressing its leading role in the Arab and international communities, and wishing it further progress and prosperity.