Expo 2030: Why Riyadh?

As my hometown and for someone who lived his childhood and grew up there in the years before college, it is such a special feeling to have the capital of the Kingdom, Riyadh, shortlisted to host such a glorious global exhibition like the Expo, and to see it competing with other top capitals in the world.

Last week, during an official visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom unveiled in Paris the master plan for Riyadh Expo 2030, organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, with delegates from 179 member states of the Bureau International des Expositions.

The plan aims to create an exceptional global experience, highlighting the importance of Riyadh and its positive role regionally and globally with the theme “Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.”

The site of Riyadh Expo 2030 will be near King Salman International Airport, which is under development at present, making it accessible for travelers arriving there. They will be able to reach the exhibition site within minutes by using the new Riyadh Metro network covering all parts of the city, and connecting to one of the three exhibition entrances via a modern road network.

The exhibition’s design reflects the ancient urban style, history, culture, and nature of Riyadh. It also showcases the Kingdom’s shared concern with the rest of the world for climate change, and the proactive plans for the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. Visitors to the Expo will be able to stroll through a modern green oasis located by one of the tributaries of Wadi As-Sulai, which passes through the exhibition site to demonstrate Riyadh’s commitment to preserving nature.

The site of Riyadh Expo 2030 will be near King Salman International Airport, which is under development at present, making it accessible for travelers arriving there.

The ESG topic and its relevance to Shariah-compliant guidelines were covered by two leading Shariah-compliant firms: SEDCO Capital and Alkhabeer Capital. That session was noticeably well presented and explained by the respective CEOs of these two firms.

Another topic that was covered extensively was dual listings between the Saudi stock exchange and other exchanges in the region and internationally, including the Singapore Exchange, which signed a memorandum of understanding during the forum. It is worth mentioning that Americana Restaurants was the first dual listing between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.

Saudi officials have said that the Kingdom aims to make Riyadh Expo 2030 the most sustainable and influential Expo ever, in line with its climate commitments to achieving carbon neutrality.

The blueprint for the exhibition’s design also considers the reuse of the site to develop an innovative urban model that guarantees sustainability and enhances innovation and creativity.

The upcoming annual BMG Economic Forum at London’s Stock Exchange on July 5 will carry the theme of Riyadh, the city of the future, with the opening keynote speech titled “Expo 2030: Why Riyadh?”

Basil M.K. Al-Ghalayini is the chairman and CEO of BMG Financial Group.