
Saudi sovereign wealth vehicle the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC) 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.”
The masterplan for Expo 2030 Riyadh encompasses an area of 6 square kilometres, making it one of the largest sites designated for a World Expo. Situated to the north of the city, the expo site will be located near the future King Salman International airport, providing direct access to various landmarks within the Saudi capital.
Countries participating in Expo 2030 Riyadh will have the option to construct permanent pavilions, contributing to the event's legacy. This initiative is expected to create opportunities for business and investment growth in the region.
The expo is projected to attract over 40 million visitors. After the event concludes, ERC plans to convert the expo's secured area into a global village, to serve as a multicultural centre for retail and dining. This development will also include an international residential community with various amenities, with a focus on sustainable tourism practices.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031.
In mid-May, MEED reported that Riyadh had begun talks with various stakeholders in preparation for the start of the construction works for the event.
The discussions were understood to have been held with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the PIF.
German architectural firm Lava Architects and US-based engineering firm Jacobs are assisting with the project masterplan and the design of infrastructure for the site.
READ THE JUNE 2025 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDF
Gulf accelerates AI and data centre strategy; Baghdad keeps up project spending, but fiscal clouds gather; Banking stocks rise despite lower global oil prices
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> AGENDA 1: Data centres churn investments > AGENDA 2: Gulf seizes AI opportunities > MEED TOP 100: Middle East stocks defy lower oil prices > SAUDI ARABIA: Riyadh confirms capital expenditure cuts > INTERVIEW: Mena crucial to Veolia’s growth plan > GULF PROJECTS INDEX: Gulf projects index leaps 4.3% > CONTRACT AWARDS: Region sees third month of weak awards activity > ECONOMIC DATA: Data drives regional projects > OPINION: Dealmaking trumps the Truman Doctrine |
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