Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Expo 2030 Riyadh officially received the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) flag during the closing ceremony of Expo 2025 Osaka, marking the formal handover of hosting responsibilities to Saudi Arabia and the beginning of preparations for the next World Expo.
Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Minister of State and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, received the flag on behalf of the Kingdom, in the presence of Faisal Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, and Ghazi Binzagr, Saudi Ambassador to Japan.
The ceremony, held at the conclusion of six months of exhibitions and cultural exchange in Osaka, signaled Saudi Arabia’s readiness to deliver a transformative global event.
Under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow,” Expo 2030 Riyadh will highlight innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development—key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Sultan described the flag handover as a defining milestone in the Kingdom’s journey to host the world in 2030, emphasizing that the event marks the start of an unprecedented chapter in Expo history. He credited the milestone to the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as the unified efforts of government institutions and citizens committed to showcasing Riyadh’s global ambition.
Talal AlMarri, Expo 2030 Riyadh CEO, said the milestone moves the project “firmly into delivery mode,” promising an event that will set new global standards in sustainability and creativity while leaving a lasting legacy for the Kingdom and the world.
Earlier in the week, Expo 2030 Riyadh Company hosted a cultural event titled “From Osaka to Riyadh” at the Expo Arena Matsuri, attracting over 15,000 visitors with performances celebrating Saudi and Japanese cultures. The Saudi Pavilion also concluded its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka with record-breaking success, welcoming more than three million visitors.
Set to run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh will span over six million square meters and feature participation from 197 countries and 29 organizations. It is expected to attract over 42 million visitors and will continue to serve as a global innovation hub long after the event concludes.