Riyadh selected as host city for 2030 World Expo

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

On Tuesday, Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, secured the honor of hosting the 2030 World Expo, triumphing over competitors Busan in South Korea and Rome. The decision was reached through a closed-door vote in Issy-les-Moulineaux, a suburb of Paris, conducted by the member states of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), with Riyadh garnering a resounding majority of 119 out of 165 votes.

The announcement prompted jubilation from the Saudi delegation, marking the culmination of an intensive campaign by each city vying for the esteemed event. Busan secured 29 votes, while Rome trailed with 17.

The Saudi proposal outlined ambitious plans, featuring a comprehensive public transit network and an innovative space designed to embody “the vision of the country to pioneer a sustainable future for cities and their communities.” Riyadh’s bid, aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy and enhancing its global standing, garnered support from French President Emmanuel Macron, as confirmed in a July statement from the Elysee Palace.

Despite the accolades, Riyadh’s bid faced criticism from activists highlighting human rights concerns, notably the 2018 murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

Rome enlisted actor Russell Crowe to bolster its bid, emphasizing readiness with plans for the world’s largest urban solar park and a green corridor connecting the Expo site to historic landmarks such as the Appia Antica. Meanwhile, Busan showcased cultural heavyweights like Psy and K-pop supergroup BTS, focusing on a high-tech Expo highlighting capabilities in artificial intelligence and 6G technology.

The World Expo, with a history dating back to 1851, serves as a platform for nations to showcase technological and cultural achievements. The events have introduced groundbreaking inventions, including the light bulb, the Ferris wheel, and even the Eiffel Tower, constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle.

As the world’s attention centers on Paris, the forthcoming vote not only determines the host for the 2030 World Expo but also sets the stage for the next chapter in the Expo legacy. The subsequent Expo is slated to take place in Osaka, Japan, in 2025.

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