Saudi Arabia emerges as the host for the 2030 World Expo
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has won the bid to host the 2030 World Expo, beating out competitors Busan, South Korea, and Rome, Italy. The decision was announced following a ballot held by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris, the international body overseeing the event.
Riyadh secured 119 votes in the first round of voting, surpassing the two-thirds majority required to win without a second round. In comparison, Busan received 29 votes, and Rome secured 17 votes. This substantial majority led to Riyadh’s conclusive victory without the need for a runoff.
The Saudi delegation celebrated the victory as the results were displayed on an electronic board in Issy-les-Moulineaux, the southwestern suburban area of Paris, where the anonymous voting took place.
Official: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its capital Riyadh are the World Expo 2030 destination. 🇸🇦#RiyadhTheWorldsChoice#RiyadhExpo2030 pic.twitter.com/rrQnwbfBw2
— Riyadh Expo 2030 الرياض إكسبو (@Riyadh_Expo2030) November 28, 2023
Despite a last-minute push by South Korea, Busan couldn’t muster enough support to force a runoff. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo expressed regret, stating, “I sincerely apologize for not adequately reciprocating the support people have generously given us so far,” while emphasizing the diplomatic gains made during the global campaign.
The World Expo, known for fostering global innovation and cultural exchange, dates back to its inaugural event in London in 1851. The fair involves countries constructing pavilions on the Expo site and is set to take place in Osaka, Japan, in 2025.
Image Source: Bestravelvideo @ShutterStock
