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Saudi Arabia’s Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC), tasked with delivering the Expo 2030 Riyadh venue, is expected to float the tender for the project's initial infrastructure works by September.

Earlier in August, MEED exclusively reported that ERC had received interest from contractors on 24 July for the infrastructure package.

MEED understands the expression of interest notice was issued on 17 July.

The infrastructure works covering the construction of main utilities and civil works will be tendered in three packages:

• Lot 1 covers the main utilities corridor
• Lot 2 includes the northern cluster of the nature corridor
• Lot 3 comprises the southern cluster of the nature corridor

The tendering for the infrastructure package follows ERC receiving bids from firms on 6 July for a contract to build the site offices required for initial construction works at the project.

In July, US-based engineering firm Bechtel Corporation announced it had won the project management consultancy deal for the delivery of the Expo 2030 Riyadh masterplan construction works.

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.

In June, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth vehicle, launched 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.”