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Saudi Arabia’s Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC), which is tasked with delivering the Expo 2030 Riyadh venue, has signed a contract with UK-based engineering firm Buro Happold.

Buro Happold will provide detailed design services for infrastructure works, utilities, the public realm, landscape and engineering, as well as technical support during construction.

According to an official statement published on its website, Buro Happold said that it is coordinating with Expo 2030’s concept master planner, Lava.

The company is also coordinating with other firms working on the project. These include: 9e Global, Barc Solutions, Christine Losecaat MBE, Design Confidence, DPA Lighting, Expo Pavilion Group, Event Planning Group, Gorgeous Group, LAND Italia, LAND Research Lab, Montana, Omrania, Plan A, REDAS, Samantha Cotterell, Schlaich Bergermann Partner, Space Agency, Think Hospitality, Thornton Tomasetti, Transsolar KlimaEngineering, Tricon and Linesight.

The masterplan encompasses an area of 6 square kilometres, making it one of the largest sites designated for a World Expo event. Situated to the north of the Saudi capital, the site will be located near the future King Salman International airport, providing direct access to various landmarks within Riyadh.

Countries participating in Expo 2030 Riyadh will have the option to construct permanent pavilions. This initiative is expected to create opportunities for business and investment growth in the region.

The expo is forecast to attract more than 40 million visitors.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth vehicle, launched ERC in June as a wholly owned subsidiary to build and operate facilities for Expo 2030.

In a statement, the PIF said: “During its construction phases, Expo 2030 Riyadh and its legacy are projected to contribute around $64bn to Saudi GDP and generate approximately 171,000 direct and indirect jobs. Once operational, it is expected to contribute approximately $5.6bn to GDP.”

In November, MEED exclusively reported that contractors submitted commercial bids on 23 November for the tender to undertake the initial infrastructure works at the site.