US Participation Confirmed for Expo 2030 Riyadh

US participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh has been formally confirmed under an agreement signed by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Atlanta.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting after talks covering Saudi-US relations, cooperation in priority sectors and regional developments. Saudi Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar attended the meeting.

The agreement establishes the United States as an official participant and provides a framework for both sides to advance preparations ahead of the expo.

Expo 2030 Riyadh is scheduled to run from October 1st, 2030 to March 31st, 2031 under the theme ‘The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow’. Its three sub-themes are ‘A Different Tomorrow’, focused on science, innovation and technology; ‘Climate Action’, centred on sustainability and renewable energy; and ‘Prosperity for All’, focused on inclusive growth and development.

The event will be held on a six-million-square-metre site north of Riyadh near the King Salman International Airport development. Organisers expect participation from more than 195 countries and international organisations, with visitor numbers projected to exceed 40 million. Transport links are planned through the Riyadh Metro, express bus networks and the expanded airport.

Saudi Arabia secured the right to host the expo in November 2023 after receiving 119 of 165 eligible votes at the Bureau International des Expositions General Assembly in Paris. Expo 2030 Riyadh will be the first World Expo hosted by Saudi Arabia and the second registered World Expo held in the Gulf region after Expo 2020 Dubai.