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Senior Saudi Officials Chart Technical Plans for Expo 2030

Observers said Vision 2030 illustrates how countries can support transformation and proactively anticipate structural changes based on a long-term vision. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Observers said Vision 2030 illustrates how countries can support transformation and proactively anticipate structural changes based on a long-term vision. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Senior Saudi Officials Chart Technical Plans for Expo 2030

Observers said Vision 2030 illustrates how countries can support transformation and proactively anticipate structural changes based on a long-term vision. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Observers said Vision 2030 illustrates how countries can support transformation and proactively anticipate structural changes based on a long-term vision. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

No sooner had Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced in October 2021 Riyadh’s bid to host Expo 2030 that preparations for the nomination began with great momentum and enthusiasm.

All relevant government entities in the country participated and supported the effort, making the bid a central focus in the Kingdom.

Crown Prince Mohammed had emphasized that Expo 2030 would coincide with the fulfillment of Saudi Vision 2030, presenting an exceptional opportunity to showcase the achievements of the vision and share valuable lessons from this transformation journey.

He highlighted the competitive advantages boasted by Riyadh, as it stands as the “largest purchasing power in the Middle East” and possesses outstanding infrastructure.

Additionally, Riyadh is a cornerstone of economic growth in Saudi Arabia due to its immense size and economic influence.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, which is responsible for the comprehensive development of the Saudi capital, is also the government entity leading local efforts to host Expo 2030.

The Commission follows an administrative and technical governance approach that allows it to be responsible for all efforts aimed at achieving urban development in Riyadh.

The capital is paving its way to becoming one of the top 10 cities in the world in terms of urban economy, as affirmed by the CEO of the Commission during the presentation of Riyadh’s bid to host Expo 2030 before the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris on Tuesday.

“We are ready to start working immediately upon our selection, and by February 2028, all preparations in Saudi Arabia will be completed to host Expo 2030,” said Ibrahim Al-Sultan, acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City.

“We are confident in our ability to hold an unprecedented world exhibition,” he stressed.

The strategy behind Saudi government agencies for the Expo 2030 project is embodied in the royal decree issued on December 25, 2021, on establishing a steering committee for Expo 2030 to oversee the city’s nomination.

This decree was followed by a directive on March 7, 2022, granting the committee an official status under the name of the “Technical Preparations Committee.”

Informed sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the Committee is headed by Al-Sultan.

The committee includes several senior government officials in Saudi Arabia, namely Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism; Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance; Faisal Al-Ibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning; Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, former Minister of Economy and Planning and Advisor to the Royal Court; Fahad Toonsi, Advisor to the Royal Court; and Hamed Fayez, Deputy Minister of Culture.

Additionally, it includes Fahad Al-Ruwaily, the Saudi Ambassador to France, and Fahd Hamidaddin, the CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority.

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Foreign Investments in Saudi Arabia Triple, with Over 1,200 Benefiting from Premium Residency

The 28th Global Investment Conference kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
The 28th Global Investment Conference kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
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Foreign Investments in Saudi Arabia Triple, with Over 1,200 Benefiting from Premium Residency

The 28th Global Investment Conference kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
The 28th Global Investment Conference kicked off in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has tripled its foreign investment inflows and increased the number of investors tenfold since the launch of Vision 2030. More than 1,200 international investors have also obtained premium residency in the Kingdom.

These figures were revealed by Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih during the 28th Global Investment Conference, held in Riyadh on Monday under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Al-Falih emphasized that premium residency is a key enabler for attracting foreign investment, as it simplifies procedures for investors and enhances their ability to seize the opportunities available in Saudi Arabia, solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a global investment hub. Residency holders, he noted, are treated as if they were in their home countries.

Since the introduction of Vision 2030, investment inflows have tripled, and the GDP has grown by 70%, reaching $1.1 trillion—half of which comes from non-oil sectors, he continued.

Al-Falih also stressed the immense opportunities in areas such as digital infrastructure and research-driven economic growth. He identified sustainability and circular carbon economy projects as key focus areas for future investment.

He acknowledged the geopolitical risks and labor shortages that pose challenges to investment. However, he projected that the Global South is poised to attract half of global financial flows by 2025.

The minister went on to say that hosting the Global Investment Conference in Riyadh provides Saudi Arabia with a platform to present its strategic vision to international partners and highlight its status as a trusted partner in sustainable economic growth.

Nivruti Rai, Managing Director and CEO of Invest India and President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), underscored the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable growth and digital transformation. She lauded Vision 2030 as a model for economic and social progress, underlining the role of technology, education, and tourism in driving development.

The world has consumed nearly 2.5 trillion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, leaving only 500–700 billion metric tons for sustainable use, she noted, while underscoring the need for countries like Saudi Arabia and India to lead innovation in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and green hydrogen.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation in energy and water was also commended, with Rai describing mega projects like NEOM as a “dream come true” and a leading example of integrating technology and sustainability to improve quality of life.

During a panel discussion, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim revealed that investment and fixed capital now constitute 25% of the GDP. He noted that Vision 2030 has unlocked vast opportunities in previously untapped sectors, including mining, tourism, culture, and entertainment, significantly contributing to the Kingdom’s non-oil growth.

Al-Ibrahim stressed the importance of adopting advanced technologies in renewable energy, green hydrogen, defense, education, and healthcare.

He stressed Saudi Arabia’s role as a central platform for accessing new markets and boosting global economic stability through continuous innovation.

Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Hassan Al-Khatib highlighted the importance of Saudi-Egyptian cooperation and sound policy adoption to attract investments in promising sectors.

Saudi investments in Egypt would significantly contribute to fostering a favorable investment climate, he said.

Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Kostas Fragogiannis discussed Greece’s focus on attracting investments in gas, including talks with Saudi Arabia and other nations, to access European markets.

The Invest in Saudi Arabia platform organized the three-day Global Investment Conference from November 25 to 27 in collaboration with WAIPA. This major event brings together global leaders, investors, and stakeholders to explore opportunities in sustainable growth and digital transformation, aiming to diversify and enhance global investment strategies.