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Saudi Arabia has been selected as the host country for the World Expo 2030 after securing 72 per cent of the votes cast by Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) member states on 28 November.

World Expo 2030: 1st round of voting

🇰🇷 Republic of Korea - 29
🇮🇹 Italy - 17
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia – 119
Abstentions - 0

BIE Member States elect Saudi Arabia as host country of World Expo 2030! Congratulations Riyadh! pic.twitter.com/QPKZdBT5xs

— BIE (@bieparis) November 28, 2023

Riyadh said it plans to invest $7.8bn in Expo 2030. The figure was revealed in Paris at the 172nd General Assembly of the BIE, on 20 June.

At the event in June, Saudi officials promised to make the event inclusive to all countries by pledging to support 100 participating countries with a $353m package that includes technical support, pavilion construction, maintenance and other services.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) unveiled the masterplan for the Expo site. It will be developed close to King Salman International airport, with links to Riyadh’s soon-to-be-completed metro network. Saudi officials say the event will attract over 40 million visitors.

It will have 226 spherical-shaped pavilions, offering an immersive global experience and a blend of cultures. The pavilions will be arranged based on countries’ longitudes.

One of the critical elements of the masterplan is the Collaborative Change Corner (C3), a dynamic area intended to foster innovation and creativity in the lead-up to and beyond Riyadh Expo 2030.

The site will be powered by solar energy, with detailed strategies to enhance biodiversity, eliminate food waste, and ensure green waste management and recycling. These efforts will support plans for the Expo to be the first environmentally friendly exhibition with zero carbon emissions.