Today in Paris, over 150 BIE member countries at the 173rd General Assembly cast their votes for which country would host the World Expo in 2030. Competing were Rome in Italy, Busan in South Korea, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.
Overwhelmingly, Saudi Arabia took home the honors of hosting with 118 votes. Italy received 19 votes, and South Korea received 20. The message is clear – the world wants to experience the magic of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Magical Royal Kingdom
Ever since Saudi Arabia opened its borders to tourism in 2019, in just 4 short years, the country has become a destination hot spot. People around the globe are fascinated with the nation, and look upon their culture, history, wealth and development as if they are the young royal family of the world.
Even before the possibility of Expo 2030, “Vision 2030” was put to life by the Saudi Crown Prince HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman who designated this year as special with the tag Vision 2030. That is some magical touch to have both goals coincide in the same eventful year.
The Saudis will continue to roll out the red carpet by making participation at the World Expo as seamless as possible. HRH Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud assured delegates at the General Assembly yesterday that this Riyadh event will be for everyone around the world with equal access for all countries.
Ghida Al Shibl shared that a special visa will be employed for the World Expo, adding that it will all take place with easy access from the airport to the venue via a 10-minute train ride. Flights via the national carrier, Saudia Airline, as well as Riyadh Air are sure to aid in this easy process of transportation as well.
History and the Future
Initially, the World Expo was a gathering of countries to share what material progress and technological advances had been made since the industrial revolution. The very first World Expo was held in London, England, in 1851. The event was so popular that it took place at different host countries around the world, making it an event that records developments of world-class legacies of nations.
Today, it is a fun exhibition on a planet-sized scale that still showcases achievements, but this 2030 event will also have a special focus on building an inclusive future where all human beings have the same opportunities for social and cultural development and to services and infrastructure. HH Princess Haifa Al Mogrin has assured that their hosted event in Riyadh will demonstrate how all people can work together to achieve the betterment of humankind.
Saudi Arabia has long made a commitment to sustainability in its endeavors, and World Expo 2030 will be a showcase for carbon neutrality. This will include a sustainability solution currently being developed by the Saudis that will be introduced in 2025 and showcased by the time of World Expo 2030.
Initiatives will focus on the reduction of carbon emissions and protection of the oceans and land on planet Earth. It will also showcase afforestation – not reforestation – but the creation of forests where forests have never existed before… truly magical indeed.
