Expo 2030 Riyadh has seen its latest milestone with the signing of the document by Saudi Arabia and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), outlining conditions for participation by countries and international organisations in the global exhibition.

On 25 August, Saudi Arabia and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) signed the See Agreement for Expo 2030 Riyadh in Paris. While yet another step in the long process towards 2030, the agreement sets the framework for countries and international organisations to participate in the event, including the legal and administrative requirements.

And the early returns suggest a successful showing for Riyadh, with over 135 countries having signed on the dotted line to take part in the six-month event, which is set to welcome more than 200 official participants and attract 42 million visits.

That means Riyadh is preparing not just to host, but to facilitate a confluence of nations, cultures, and creative wares, including the construction of numerous extravagant pavilions by different countries.

From Paperwork to Pavilions

The agreement gives signatory countries a framework to operate within from planning, design, and construction to management and operations.

In other words, while the countdown to the opening of the global exhibition continues, Riyadh has begun its preparations to host the world.

Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, with the theme ‘Foresight for Tomorrow’. Over the course of six months, the event will see the presentation of culture, entertainment, innovation, and exhibitions, alongside the national pavilions.

A look at the masterplan of the official Expo website shows a target of 230+ pavilions and an area of six million square metres.

For Riyadh, it is set to make 2030 a moment to remember. The world has come to Saudi Arabia, now it must get ready to host.