Riyadh Welcomes Secretary General of BIE for Expo 2030 Preparation
RIYADH — The excitement in Riyadh is palpable as the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri Kerkentzis, arrives in the city. His main focus? Reviewing the exhibition plans and coordinating the preparation of the registration file for Expo 2030 Riyadh.
This marks Kerkentzis’ first visit to Riyadh since Saudi Arabia was elected as the host country for World Expo 2030 in November 2023. The visit, spanning four days, was filled with discussions and planning sessions to ensure the success of the upcoming event.
Since Saudi Arabia’s election on Nov. 28, 2023, during the 173rd General Assembly of the BIE, meticulous preparations have been underway at the highest levels to set the stage for the World Expo.
The registration file will outline a comprehensive Expo implementation plan, encompassing legislative and financial measures, the Expo site master plan, and legacy plans for the event.
Upon submission of the file to the BIE and subsequent review by member states, the General Assembly will officially register Expo 2030 Riyadh. This milestone will pave the way for Saudi Arabia to extend invitations to international participants through diplomatic channels and kickstart preparations in earnest.
Expressing his confidence in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to collaboration, Kerkentzis stated: “Saudi Arabia, at all levels, has demonstrated its firm commitment to cooperating with the International Bureau of Exhibitions and its member states to achieve a real success for Expo 2030 Riyadh.”
He added, “I’m excited to enter the next chapter of this story as the filing comes together and as the project gains momentum.”
The Expo, themed “Era of Change: Together for an Enlightened Tomorrow,” is set to host 197 countries and 29 international organizations from Oct. 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031.
In June, a delegation from Saudi Arabia will present a progress report on Expo 2030 Riyadh to the member states of the Bureau International des Expositions during the organization’s 174th General Assembly.
