Osaka, Japan: Expo 2030 Riyadh officially received the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) flag during the closing ceremony of Expo 2025 Osaka, which concluded after six months of global exhibitions, dialogue and cultural exchange. The handover of the BIE flag, received by HE Eng. Ibrahim Alsultan, Minster of State, CEO of Royal Commission for Riyadh City, marked the formal transfer of host city responsibilities to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the start of the journey toward the next World Expo.
Under the theme "Foresight for Tomorrow," Expo 2030 Riyadh will serve as a global platform for innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development, already key to the transformation agenda of Saudi Vision 2030. Senior representatives from Saudi Arabia attended the ceremony, including HE Faisal Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, and HE Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan underscoring national commitment and city-level preparedness.
HE Eng. Ibrahim Alsultan said: "At the conclusion of Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, the handover of the flag from Japan to Riyadh marks an important milestone in the Kingdom's journey toward hosting the world at Expo 2030 Riyadh. It also represents the official start of the countdown to organizing an unprecedented edition of the world's most prominent exhibition. His Excellency explained that this event embodies a new phase in the Kingdom's journey toward the future, thanks to the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He further noted that the combined efforts of all state institutions, along with the warm enthusiasm of citizens and residents across the Kingdom – especially in Riyadh – will help deliver an exceptional experience that reflects Saudi Arabia's excellence and leadership in hosting global events and embodies its vision of building a more innovative and cooperative future for the world."
Eng. Talal AlMarri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh Company, added: "This milestone moves us firmly into delivery mode. Expo 2030 Riyadh will set new global benchmarks in sustainability, creativity and inclusivity. It will be more than a gathering of nations; it will be a living legacy and a platform for action for the Kingdom and the world."
Earlier in the week, Expo 2030 Riyadh Company hosted the 'From Osaka to Riyadh' cultural showcase on 10 October at the Expo Arena Matsuri, drawing over 15,000 attendees and demonstrating strong event capabilities in the lead-up to 2030. Throughout Expo Osaka, the Expo 2030 Riyadh Company engaged with participating nations through a series of workshops and bilateral meetings, focusing on understanding each country's priorities and objectives for the next Expo. The Saudi Pavilion concluded Expo 2025 Osaka with historic visitor engagement, welcoming a record-breaking over 3 million attendees.
Running from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh is set to welcome over 42 million visits, with participation from 197 countries and 29 organizations. Spanning more than 6 million square meters across five zones, the event will explore forward-looking solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive future. Following the six-month event, the site will evolve into a permanent Global Village, leaving a lasting legacy for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the world.
