On November 28, 2023, Member States of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) elected Saudi Arabia as the host country for World Expo 2030 during the 173rd General Assembly of the organization.
A two-thirds majority of Member States voted in favor of Saudi Arabia’s proposal to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,” scheduled to take place from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031.
Three countries were in contention for hosting World Expo 2030 alongside Saudi Arabia: the Republic of Korea (Busan) with the theme “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future,” and Italy (Rome) with the theme “People and Territories: Regeneration, Inclusion and Innovation.”
Saudi Arabia secured an outright victory by receiving 119 votes in the first round, surpassing the two-thirds majority required. The other candidates, the Republic of Korea and Italy, received 29 and 17 votes, respectively, with no abstentions.
Following the announcement of the election results, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, the Secretary General of the BIE, extended warm congratulations to Saudi Arabia.
He expressed anticipation for close collaboration with Saudi Arabia to bring the world together in Riyadh under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.”
Eligible and present Member States, represented by government-appointed delegates, conducted the host country election through a secret ballot using electronic voting, adhering to the principle of one country, one vote.
World Expos, officially known as International Registered Exhibitions, serve as global gatherings where nations address universal challenges.
These events occur every five years, lasting up to six months, attracting millions of visitors. World Expos provide countries with the opportunity to build extraordinary pavilions and leave a lasting impact on the host city. The most recent World Expo, Expo 2020 Dubai, took place under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” with over 24 million visits.
The upcoming World Expo, Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, is scheduled to take place between April 13 and October 13, 2025, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”
