All eyes on Riyadh bid for World Expo 2030 as Saudi Pavilion in Dubai holds closing ceremony

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Updated 23 November 2023
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All eyes on Riyadh bid for World Expo 2030 as Saudi Pavilion in Dubai holds closing ceremony

  • Saudi Arabia emerges as a strong contender to host the global event, having won multiple endorsements
  • Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 in October last year

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s award-winning pavilion held its closing ceremony at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Opportunity District on Monday night, after organizing workshops, shows and exhibitions for six consecutive months during which the Kingdom’s culture, development and investment potential were in the international limelight.

As the Arab region’s first ever World Expo draws to a close this week, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a strong contender to host Expo 2030, having already won multiple international endorsements for its formal bid launched late last year.

The consensus view is that the combination of a record-breaking pavilion and attention-grabbing program of events at Expo 2020 Dubai has greatly strengthened Saudi Arabia’s case for hosting the prestigious global event in its capital, Riyadh, in 2030.

“For Saudi Arabia, Expo 2020 Dubai provided a major and highly visible platform to highlight the exciting opportunities and experiences available in the Kingdom, especially as it opens up to the world at an unprecedented scale,” Hussain Hanbazazah, the Saudi pavilion’s commissioner general, told Arab News.




Visitors tour the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020 on January 13, 2022, with a projection of an image of the Kingdom's largest palm farm. (AFP/File Photo)

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the Saudi bid to host Expo 2030 in October last year and the Kingdom submitted its formal application in December to the Bureau International des Expositions, the organization behind the expo.

In its presentation to the BIE in December, Saudi Arabia outlined bold plans to transform Riyadh and the rest of the country into a world-class venue for global connectivity, culture and climate action.

Saudi Arabia’s bid is based on the theme “The Era of Change: Leading the Planet to a Foresighted Tomorrow.” If the Kingdom is successful, the expo would take place in Riyadh from Oct. 1, 2030, to April 1, 2031.

“The BIE is pleased to receive this letter of candidature from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the fifth country to seek the organization of World Expo 2030,” Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, secretary general of the BIE, said upon receiving the formal application from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He added: “The strong interest in hosting World Expo 2030 attests to the global desire to reconnect with each other and to build a future that is more sustainable, by fostering innovation and cooperation.”

As part of the Saudi bid, Fahd Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, announced in December last year that the Kingdom plans to build one of the world’s biggest public transport networks, establish a green space in the heart of the city that is four times the size of New York City’s Central Park, plant 15 million trees, and turn the Saudi capital’s streets into works of art.

“The transformation is not occurring only in Riyadh, it is sweeping the country,” Al-Rasheed said. “Riyadh will be more than ready to host the World Expo. It will be a perfect manifestation of what the World Expo aims to achieve to bring together the world’s best minds, ideas and solutions.”

Central to Riyadh’s urban redevelopment plan is sustainability, according to Al-Rasheed, with environmental preservation and the goal of cutting carbon emissions by half in less than a decade at the forefront of the project.

“As a first time competitor, Saudi Arabia’s candidature represents an important and symbolic challenge for our nation and one that we will embrace with full commitment,” he said.

Five countries, including Saudi Arabia, Italy, South Korea, Russia and Ukraine, are in the running to host the event. Many believe that owing to the conflict in Ukraine and the package of stringent sanctions placed by Western countries on Russia, it is unlikely that the latter two will succeed in their bids.

Saudi Arabia has already won significant backing for its expo bid. In November, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation pledged its support for the Kingdom’s application.




Saudi Arabia first participated in a World Expo in 1958 when the event was hosted in the Belgian capital, Brussels. It has actively participated in World and Specialized Expos ever since. (Supplied)

Since then, several African nations have also registered their support for the Saudi bid, including Djibouti, Morocco, Mauritania and Zambia.

Saudi Arabia first participated in a World Expo in 1958 when the event was hosted in the Belgian capital, Brussels. It has actively participated in World and Specialized Expos ever since.

The Kingdom’s enthusiasm and engagement in these events has not gone unnoticed. At a Specialized Expo 2008 in the Spanish city of Zaragoza, Saudi Arabia was handed a silver award for its pavilion design. This was topped two years later with a gold award at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai in China.

The tradition of World Expos began in London in 1851 with the Great Exhibition — a monumental celebration of scientific and technological advancement, but also a fascinating display of curiosities from around the world, reflecting an age of accelerating transport and communications, and seemingly boundless potential.

Since then, World Expos have been occasions to share and celebrate the innovations and discoveries of the day, while also reflecting on the shared challenges facing humanity in the hope of identifying shared solutions. The next World Expo is due to be held in Osaka, Japan, in 2025.

These global events, which are held roughly every five years and take place over a period of six months, take visitors on immersive journeys built around a common theme. Welcoming tens of millions of visitors, World Expos allow participating countries to build extraordinary pavilions, transforming host cities for years to come.

By all accounts, Expo 2020 Dubai has been a resounding success, drawing some 10 million visitors to the UAE’s biggest city since the event opened on Oct. 1 last year. By March 25, the Saudi Pavilion alone had welcomed some 4.6 million visitors, including 7,566 school visits.

The pavilion hosted more than 230 unique programs, including 35 that were tailored specifically towards children to teach them about Saudi history and culture in a playful and engaging setting.

The pavilion also hosted 11 business programs with the objective of driving growth and investment, while also promoting tourism and entertainment opportunities in the Kingdom. Several of these events were co-curated with other pavilions with the aim of building cross-cultural bridges and identifying common commercial interests.

Central to the Saudi pavilion’s events and exhibits, and key to its bid to host Expo 2030, are the objectives of the Kingdom’s economic and social reform agenda, Vision 2030.

“Expo 2020 Dubai is the first expo that Saudi Arabia has participated in since the launch of Vision 2030, our national transformation strategic framework, which is ushering in big changes in our country,” said Hanbazazah.




As the Arab region’s first ever World Expo draws to a close this week, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a strong contender to host Expo 2030. (AN Photo/Hashem Rzk)

The agenda, launched by the crown prince in 2016, aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global investment powerhouse, to diversify its economy away from oil and to embrace sustainable high-tech industries with the ultimate aim of becoming the world’s 15th largest economy by the end of the decade.

The jewels in Vision 2030’s crown are undoubtedly the Kingdom’s new giga-projects, from the Red Sea Project, a luxury sustainable tourism development taking shape on the Kingdom’s west coast, to NEOM, the clean energy-driven smart city of the future under construction in the Kingdom’s northwest.

To promote these investment opportunities, the Saudi pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai included a “Business Park,” an innovative platform connecting investors from around the world to forge partnerships and discuss opportunities, and a “Discovery Center,” where visitors were invited to learn more about the Saudi economy, its competitiveness and the unprecedented reforms that have taken place in the Kingdom.

“We are very proud that our national pavilion was very popular, with one in every four Expo visitors visiting our pavilion,” said Hanbazazah.

“We invite everyone who hasn’t visited it yet to come and live the experience for themselves before the expo closes its doors on March 31.”


Replacement of Holy Kaaba’s kiswa completed

The kiswa-changing ceremony at the Grand Mosque in Makkah takes place on Thursday morning. (SPA)
Updated 7 sec ago
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Replacement of Holy Kaaba’s kiswa completed

  • Kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script

RIYADH: The Grand Mosque in Makkah faced the dawn of the first day of the first month in the Islamic calendar, Muharram, with the kiswa-changing ceremony by the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa.

This annual event embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to serve the Two Holy Mosques — not only in organizational and administrative aspects but also on a symbolic and sacred level, given the central place the Kaaba holds in the hearts of more than a billion and a half Muslims worldwide.

They installed the embroidered curtain with gold-plated threads, the hizam (belt), the samadiah (decorative elements), lantern-shaped pieces, and decorations surrounding the mizab (rainwater spout), the corners, and other adornments, creating a captivating scene infused with feelings of reverence and supplication.

The occasion also highlights the pioneering role of Saudi youth, who form the backbone of production, supervision, and execution within the complex. 

National competencies demonstrate leadership in guiding work teams, overseeing design details, and innovative technical solutions that ensure the highest standards of precision — merging exquisite craftsmanship with modern technological aspirations.

The kiswa exceeds 14 meters in height and is adorned with Quranic verses embroidered with gold-coated silver and pure silver threads, written in the Thuluth script, forming a masterpiece that demands precise engineering, care and artistic expertise to preserve its identity and quality over time.

This annual event is not merely a repeated occasion but an extension of a historical legacy established by the Founding King Abdulaziz — and reinforced by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It is part of the national vision centered on serving the Two Holy Mosques and enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims and other visitors.

Every year, the ceremony to change the kiswa is a memorable scene in the collective memory of the Islamic nations and a living symbol of how the care for the holy sanctuaries has evolved from a responsibility into a leadership role.


Kingdom marks world’s anti-drug day

Updated 15 min 37 sec ago
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Kingdom marks world’s anti-drug day

  • More than 922 kg of banned substances seized in KSA over 12 months
  • A number of awareness events were held across the country on Thursday — the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

RIYADH: More than 922 kg of banned substances, including more than 20 million pills, have been seized in Saudi Arabia over the past year, the Kingdom’s customs authority announced on Thursday as officials marked the UN’s world anti-drug day.

One recent drug bust in cooperation with authorities from the Syrian Arab Republic thwarted an attempt to smuggle 200,000 amphetamine tablets from the Levant nation, a Ministry of Interior spokesperson said via the Saudi Press Agency.

The announcement was made as a number of awareness events were held across the country on Thursday — the UN’s International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Events in the Riyadh and Asir regions will run until Saturday, educating members of the public about the dangers of drugs.

Smugglers have attempted to bring contraband into the country in various ways, by concealing the items in shipments of food, household utensils, vehicles, shoes and even inside their body cavities, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said.

The organization places the fight against drugs as one of its top priorities and will continue to tighten security at the Kingdom’s borders, it added.

Jasim Mohamed Albudaiwi, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that the GCC countries see drug control measures as a top priority.

The GCC states have formed a united front to tackle the use and trade of illicit substances which endanger families and society, he added.

Albudaiwi also stressed the importance of reintegrating recovering drug addicts into society, and highlighted the role that schools, the media, religious leaders and civil society’s institutions play in stopping the use of drugs.

Meanwhile, the Naif College for National Security in Riyadh celebrated the graduation of 63 trainees of various courses on Thursday, including anti-drug programs.

The ceremony was attended by Maj. Gen. Muhammad bin Saeed Al-Qarni, the director general of narcotics control, who congratulated the graduates and stressed that the Kingdom’s anti-drug programs received the full support of the country’s leadership.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has called on members of the public to contribute to the fight against drug smuggling in order to protect society and the Kingdom’s economy.

Reports can be made to the domestic telephone number 1910, internationally via 009661910, or via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa.

All reports are treated with confidentiality, the authority said, and accurate information will be rewarded financially.


Saudi foreign minister discusses Syria’s stability with US envoy

Updated 46 min 14 sec ago
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Saudi foreign minister discusses Syria’s stability with US envoy

  • Tom Barrack, US envoy to Syria, visited Riyadh on Thursday

LONDON: Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi minister of foreign affairs, received Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, in Riyadh.

During the meeting on Thursday, officials discussed ways to support the Syrian Arab Republic in enhancing its security, stability, and economic recovery, reported the Saudi Press Agency.


Djibouti ambassador praises deep ties between African state and Saudi Arabia

Updated 53 min 28 sec ago
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Djibouti ambassador praises deep ties between African state and Saudi Arabia

  • Djibouti Embassy celebrates 48th anniversary of independence 
  • Ambassador reaffirms Djibouti’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause

RIYADH: The Djibouti Embassy in Riyadh donned patriotic colors as its staff celebrated their national day on Wednesday night, hosting a befitting reception to mark the occasion.

On the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the National Independence of Djibouti, Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti to Saudi Arabia and the dean of the Diplomatic Corps, hosted an official reception at the Cultural Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter.

The event was attended by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of Riyadh Region, as guest of honor and patron, and Prince Sultan bin Salman, the founder and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club.

The reception was also attended by numerous princes, ambassadors, distinguished business leaders, media professionals, artists, and members of the Saudi and Djibouti community.

Addressing the gathering the ambassador highlighted Djibouti’s remarkable achievements over the past five decades, particularly in terms of security, stability, and sustainable development.

He also emphasized the deep and sincere fraternal relations that unite the leaderships and people of the two nations.

Furthermore, the ambassador reaffirmed Djibouti’s firm and unwavering position in support of the Palestinian cause, advocating for the restoration of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia also strongly supports the two-state solution as the path to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Palestine is officially recognized by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states and has observer status at the UN.

The ambassador also reiterated Djibouti’s commitment to a calm, constructive, and principled diplomacy, actively working to promote peace in the region and around the world, rejecting wars and advocating for dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development.


Forecast of higher temperatures, rainfall in July and August in Saudi

Updated 32 min 11 sec ago
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Forecast of higher temperatures, rainfall in July and August in Saudi

  • 1 C rise in central, northern and eastern regions
  • Above-normal rain in south, west regions forecast 

JEDDAH: Higher temperatures are expected in July and August in the central, northern and eastern parts of Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Meteorology has announced.

In a seasonal forecast carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday, the meteorology authority expects a rise of 1 degree Celsius in parts of Riyadh, Qassim and Hail, as well as the eastern and Northern Borders regions.

It is expected to peak in August with a rise of 1.2 degrees Celsius in Jouf, Tabuk, Qassim, Hail and the eastern regions.

The NCM has also forecast higher-than-normal rainfall in Najran, Jazan, Al-Baha, Asir, parts of Makkah and Madinah, southern Riyadh and the eastern regions, particularly in July and August.

The rest of the Kingdom is expected to have normal rainfall.

The Summer 2025 forecast, covering the months of June to August, is based on climatic conditions from 1991 to 2020, the SPA stated.

According to the report, the highest temperature was recorded in Jeddah in June 2010 at 52 degrees Celsius, while Al-Ahsa recorded 51.3 in July 2024.

Dammam and Al-Qaisumah in the eastern part of the Kingdom recorded August highs of 51 in 1998 and 2021.

For rainfall, the southwestern region of Jazan recorded the highest daily amount in August 2024 at 113 millimeters. It also held the record for July at 67.6 in 1995.

For the month of June, Sharurah, in the southern province of Najran, recorded the highest daily amount in June 1996 at 53.8.