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Saudi Arabia to Host Expo 2030 in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh will host the Expo 2030 world fair. (Royal Commission for Riyadh City)
Saudi Arabia's Riyadh will host the Expo 2030 world fair. (Royal Commission for Riyadh City)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Expo 2030 in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh will host the Expo 2030 world fair. (Royal Commission for Riyadh City)
Saudi Arabia's Riyadh will host the Expo 2030 world fair. (Royal Commission for Riyadh City)

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh will host the Expo 2030 world fair, the vote results from 182 members of the Bureau International des Expositions showed on Tuesday.

South Korea's Busan and Italy's Rome were also in the running to host the world fair, a five-yearly event that attracts millions of visitors and billions of dollars in investment.  

Riyadh was picked by a majority of 119 out of 165 votes. Busan won 29 and Rome 17.

During a presentation of the Riyadh file, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah underlined the Kingdom’s commitment to host the global event and offer an extraordinary edition of the world fair.

The expo, held under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”, will focus on sustainable development goals and launch a number of solutions for the advancement of mankind, he added.  

The Saudi delegation at the presentation said the expo will focus on achieving “a better tomorrow,” “climate work” and “prosperity for all,” to form a cohesive framework to tackle common global challenges in the economy, environment, geo-political, social and technological spheres.  

A budget of 7.8 billion dollars has been allocated to hold the expo.  

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, had underscored the Kingdom’s determination to offer an exceptional and unprecedented edition of the expo as it seeks to develop Riyadh into one of the world’s top ten cities - in line with Vision 2030 – in terms of its economy, quality of life and competitiveness along with other factors.

The Saudi capital has proposed to host the event between October 2030 and March 2031.

The World Expo has a storied history of bringing together nations to showcase technological innovations and cultural achievements. Since the inaugural event in 1851, Expos have been platforms for introducing groundbreaking inventions such as the light bulb, the Ferris wheel and the Eiffel Tower itself, which was built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle.

These events have evolved to not only be celebrations of human ingenuity, but also opportunities for host cities to catalyze economic growth and global recognition.

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Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Scholars’ Gathering Affirms Islamic Consensus on Women’s Right to Education

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat
The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad. Asharq Al-Awsat

Bringing together representatives from Fiqh academies, organizations, councils, and religious committees, along with a distinguished assembly of muftis and senior scholars from various schools of thought and sects across the Islamic world, the Scholars’ Session reaffirmed the enduring consensus in Islam—both historically and contemporarily—on the legitimate right of women to education.

The exclusive Scholars’ Session, part of the “Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities” initiative, was held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars.

At the conclusion of the extensive scholarly dialogue, which lasted several hours, all participants unanimously affirmed—with enlightened judgment—the Islamic consensus, both historically and contemporarily, on the legitimate right of women to education.

This consensus is based on the comprehensive Islamic texts concerning the matter, affirming that women possess the same rights as their male counterparts to education at any age, level, or field of study, provided it aligns with Islamic teachings.

The discussion underscored that this right is rooted in the fundamental Islamic obligation of seeking knowledge, which applies equally to both genders, in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The dialogue included a thorough refutation of all misconceptions surrounding women's education, whether these were complete or partial. Participants emphasized that their religious declaration is intended for all individuals, institutions, and both public and private entities across the Islamic world and minority communities, adhering to the appropriate Islamic methodology for such declarations.

The scholars’ statements praised the comprehensive principles related to the legitimate empowerment of women in general, and their education in particular, as outlined in the Charter of Makkah and the Charter of Building Bridges between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.

Both international conferences, which issued these charters, were supported by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.