Saudi Arabia Shows the World its Vision for Expo Riyadh 2030

Artistic paintings and singing performances impressed the forum’s guests (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Artistic paintings and singing performances impressed the forum’s guests (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Shows the World its Vision for Expo Riyadh 2030

Artistic paintings and singing performances impressed the forum’s guests (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Artistic paintings and singing performances impressed the forum’s guests (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The closing forum to host the Riyadh Exhibition (Expo 2030), which was held by the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh, was successful by all standards.

The choice of the place, in the Meudon forest - located west of Paris and known for its beautiful lake and spacious building suitable for major events - was in harmony with the purpose of the Saudi presentation, which is to delight the eyes and ears with the exceptional watercolor paintings.

The artistic scenes presented by the Saudi bands, accompanied by musical performances by a large orchestra of 56 musicians, came to dazzle the forum’s guests. Hundreds of attendees responded to the invitation, highlighting support for Saudi Arabia for winning the hosting of Expo 2030.

It was clear to everyone that the exhibition falls completely within the framework of Vision 2030 and its various ambitions. The large and high-ranking official Saudi delegation, the warm hospitality, and the good organization were all elements that gave the forum a special flavor.

According to the sources of the Saudi delegation, there are serious chances of Saudi Arabia winning the privilege to host the international event, even though Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is deploying great efforts to influence the members of the International Bureau of Exhibitions and win them over to its advantage.

The final word is due to be announced on Nov. 28, on the occasion of the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions, where the competing countries will be given the last opportunity to present their arguments, after which a vote will take place to appoint the winning party immediately.

The Riyadh exhibition carries the slogan, “Together We Shape the Future” (a better tomorrow, climate action and prosperity for all), and will be held for six months (from October 1, 2031 until the end of March 2031).

Organizers expect the event to achieve record numbers on many levels. The exhibition will stretch over 6 million square meters, while 179 countries will join the event. Virtual visitors are expected to reach one billion, and in person visitors will account for 40 million, in addition to the participation of 246 non-governmental bodies.



Saudi Mineral Resources Minister, US Energy Secretary Discuss Strengthening Strategic Cooperation 

The Saudi and American delegations meet at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources on Sunday. (SPA)
The Saudi and American delegations meet at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources on Sunday. (SPA)
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Saudi Mineral Resources Minister, US Energy Secretary Discuss Strengthening Strategic Cooperation 

The Saudi and American delegations meet at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources on Sunday. (SPA)
The Saudi and American delegations meet at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources on Sunday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef held official talks on Sunday with US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright as part of his current visit to the Kingdom.

The talks at the ministry headquarters in Riyadh focused on strengthening the strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US in the mining and minerals sector.

They explored ways to expand cooperation in the mining sector and emphasized the importance of minerals in the energy transition, advanced technology industries, and modern economies linked to clean energy, as well as their significance in the electric vehicle industry and its components.

The two sides discussed ways to boost economic cooperation and high-value investment opportunities in both countries and the enablers available to leverage these opportunities in support of deepening their longstanding partnership.

Alkhorayef invited the US energy secretary to attend the Future Minerals Forum, which will be held in Riyadh next year.

Wright later visited the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran. He was welcomed by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, KFUPM President Muhammad Al-Saggaf, and senior university officials.

Wright was briefed on the university's academic and research specializations, as well as its efforts to foster innovation and develop human capital in the fields of energy, engineering, and science. He met with faculty members and students and learned about the university's initiatives to advance educational and research programs in line with the highest international standards.

He was introduced to KFUPM’s international collaboration and academic exchange programs, particularly those with leading US institutions, which are designed to foster knowledge sharing, encourage joint learning, and provide students with global exposure that enhances both their academic growth and career prospects.

This visit underscores KFUPM’s role as a leading academic and research institution in the energy sector and strengthens research and academic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US.