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.



Starbucks Workers Expand Strike in US Cities Including New York

Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
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Starbucks Workers Expand Strike in US Cities Including New York

Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)

Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to four more US cities, including New York, the union representing over 10,000 baristas said late on Saturday.

The five-day strike, which began on Friday and initially closed Starbucks cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, has added New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis, Workers United said in a statement. It did not say where the New Jersey walkout was occurring.

Starbucks did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.

Talks between the coffee chain and the union hit an impasse with unresolved issues over wages, staffing and schedules, leading to the strike.

The union is striking in 10 cities, also including Columbus, Denver and Pittsburgh, during the busy holiday season that may impact the company's Christmas sales.

Workers United warned on Friday that the strike could reach "hundreds of stores" by Tuesday, Christmas Eve.

Starbucks began negotiations with the union in April. It said this month it had conducted more than eight bargaining sessions, during which 30 agreements had been reached.

The company operates more than 11,000 stores in the United States, employing about 200,000 workers.