Countdown and Milestones | 10.10.2025
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Osaka, Japan: Expo 2030 Riyadh offered a glimpse of the next World Expo with the 'From Osaka to Riyadh' cultural showcase at the Expo Arena Matsuri. The event drew 15,000 attendees and brought together leading Saudi and Japanese performers in a dynamic blend of music and culture.
The show featured top talent from both nations including Saudi vocalist Ghada Sheri, the Al Bairaq Al Akhdar drumming group, Japan's Taiko-Center drummers, techno pioneer Ken Ishii, and DJ KAORI, delivering a dynamic mix of music and performance. High-energy sets, reimagined cultural expressions, and striking light, laser, and hologram effects transformed the stage into a powerful showcase of both nations' spirit of collaboration and global engagement.
As one of the final highlights before the 13 October closing ceremony, it symbolized the transition to Riyadh as the next World Expo host city and set the stage for the BIE flag handover, which formally transfers host city responsibilities to the Kingdom. The event also demonstrated Riyadh's readiness to host large-scale international gatherings as it prepares for Expo 2030.
Running from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh is set to welcome over 42 million visits from 197 countries and 29 organizations. Spanning 6 million square meters and structured around five thematic zones, the event will explore forward-looking solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Under the theme 'Foresight for Tomorrow,' Expo 2030 Riyadh will serve as a global platform for innovation and collaboration. Following the six-month event, the site will evolve into a permanent Global Village, leaving a lasting legacy for Riyadh, the Kingdom and the wider world.
The show featured top talent from both nations including Saudi vocalist Ghada Sheri, the Al Bairaq Al Akhdar drumming group, Japan's Taiko-Center drummers, techno pioneer Ken Ishii, and DJ KAORI, delivering a dynamic mix of music and performance. High-energy sets, reimagined cultural expressions, and striking light, laser, and hologram effects transformed the stage into a powerful showcase of both nations' spirit of collaboration and global engagement.
As one of the final highlights before the 13 October closing ceremony, it symbolized the transition to Riyadh as the next World Expo host city and set the stage for the BIE flag handover, which formally transfers host city responsibilities to the Kingdom. The event also demonstrated Riyadh's readiness to host large-scale international gatherings as it prepares for Expo 2030.
Running from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh is set to welcome over 42 million visits from 197 countries and 29 organizations. Spanning 6 million square meters and structured around five thematic zones, the event will explore forward-looking solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Under the theme 'Foresight for Tomorrow,' Expo 2030 Riyadh will serve as a global platform for innovation and collaboration. Following the six-month event, the site will evolve into a permanent Global Village, leaving a lasting legacy for Riyadh, the Kingdom and the wider world.
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NEWSLETTER
Follow the build-up to Expo 2030 Riyadh. Get exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities to take part as we prepare to welcome the world in 2030.