Riyadh Expo 2030 to Introduce Packages Supporting Participation of Developing Nations

A map illustrating the proposed location of the Riyadh Expo 2030 exhibition in the northern part of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A map illustrating the proposed location of the Riyadh Expo 2030 exhibition in the northern part of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh Expo 2030 to Introduce Packages Supporting Participation of Developing Nations

A map illustrating the proposed location of the Riyadh Expo 2030 exhibition in the northern part of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A map illustrating the proposed location of the Riyadh Expo 2030 exhibition in the northern part of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The proposed site in the Saudi capital for hosting the Riyadh Expo 2030 has been divided into four zones based on the exhibition’s three sub-themes, sources familiar with the bid to host the exhibition told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The sub-themes are “Prosperity for All,” “Climate Action,” and “A Different Tomorrow.” The fourth zone, however, is linked to the Kingdom’s main development plan, Vision 2030.

Each of these zones features a main pavilion covering a total area of approximately 3.4 square kilometers.

Participating countries will also have the option to construct their own pavilions or rent pre-existing structures.

In an ambitious effort to accommodate all nations at the Expo, Riyadh’s bid targets participation from 196 countries, in addition to Saudi Arabia and 29 international organizations.

This goal, while ambitious, appears achievable, considering factors such as Dubai’s hosting of Expo 2020, which welcomed 192 countries.

The organizing committee for Riyadh Expo 2030 has identified 100 qualified countries to receive dedicated facilities within a set of packages, which will be announced by the first quarter of 2030.

These packages aim to support the participation of nations lacking the necessary financial resources to cover all expenses related to their involvement in the exhibition, with selection criteria based on factors such as multilateral agreements, urban populations, and tourism appeal.

Riyadh Expo 2030 aims to empower developing nations to take the lead, offering a platform for them to showcase more compelling cultural content.

Additionally, it will provide an ideal stage for companies, sectors, and governments to promote themselves, attracting business, investment, and visitors.

Furthermore, the exhibition will allocate spaces for each region within the Expo to host their programs of events, informing participating countries and visitors about scientific, cultural, commercial, and investment opportunities.

Riyadh’s chances of winning the bid to host the Expo are on the rise, with the addition of new countries to the list of supporters.

This includes several African nations and Iran, as confirmed by Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, following his visit to the Kingdom in mid-August.



Saudi Arabia Advances to Become the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Mining

The Saudi Energy Minister reviews data on critical mineral extraction and processing in several countries (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Energy Minister reviews data on critical mineral extraction and processing in several countries (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Advances to Become the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Mining

The Saudi Energy Minister reviews data on critical mineral extraction and processing in several countries (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Energy Minister reviews data on critical mineral extraction and processing in several countries (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia is pushing to become a global hub for critical minerals, aiming to be the “Silicon Valley” of mining. At the fourth Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, the kingdom announced new deals, investment plans, and discoveries.
Industry Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef said Saudi Arabia will explore mineral opportunities across 50,000 square kilometers this year. The Kingdom also unveiled a $100 billion mining investment plan, with $20 billion already in advanced stages or under construction.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced that Aramco has identified “promising” lithium concentrations exceeding 400 parts per million in its operational areas, with lithium production in the kingdom expected to begin as early as 2027.
In line with this, Aramco revealed a joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) to explore and produce minerals critical to the energy transition, including extracting lithium from high-concentration deposits.
The latest edition of the Future Minerals Forum brought together over 20,000 participants from 170 countries and featured 250 speakers across more than 70 sessions.
Saudi ministers and international officials highlighted key challenges facing the mining sector, including the need for increased private sector investment, advanced technology, regulatory frameworks, supply chain issues, carbon emissions from production, and a shortage of skilled talent.
In early 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources raised its estimate of the kingdom’s untapped mineral resources from $1.3 trillion to $2.5 trillion, driven by new discoveries.
At last year’s forum, the ministry launched a $182 million mineral exploration incentive program to reduce investment risks, support new commodities, promote green projects, and empower small-scale mining operators.
Additionally, Al-Khorayef launched the Mining Innovation Studio at the Future Mineral Forum 2025.
In his opening remarks, Al-Khorayef stated that the new studio was designed to attract global talent and accelerate cutting-edge technology, in alignment with Riyadh’s vision to become the “Silicon Valley of mining”.
He clarified that the Kingdom is promoting upcoming exploration opportunities across 5,000 square kilometers of mineralized belts in 2025 as it continues its steadfast growth in the mining sector.
Al-Khorayef further noted that the Saudi mining sector is the fastest growing globally, and affirmed that its mineral potential stands at an estimated $2.5 trillion.
He elaborated that the allocation of new exploration sites to tap mineral wealth is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish mining as the third pillar of the Kingdom’s industrial economy.