In a bold move to elevate Saudi Arabia’s global tourism presence and solidify its commitment to sustainability, the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has officially announced the launch of Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC). This new entity will be tasked with the design, development, operation, and long-term legacy management of Expo 2030 Riyadh, a giga-scale initiative that will redefine the future of international expos and set a new standard for sustainable tourism.
Slated to run from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh will be a historic milestone—marking the first time the Kingdom hosts the prestigious global event. The event will be held on a sprawling 6 million square meter site north of Riyadh, strategically located near the upcoming King Salman International Airport, ensuring seamless connectivity with the rest of the capital and beyond.
Masterplanning a Legacy for the Future
The newly formed Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC) is expected to deliver more than just a venue—it will orchestrate the development of a global, smart, and green city that mirrors the values of Saudi Vision 2030. As per PIF’s announcement, ERC will ensure that Expo infrastructure is not just event-specific, but adaptable for future uses, embodying long-term value creation and urban sustainability.
ERC’s mandate includes creating permanent, transformative spaces that outlive the six-month global exhibition. Once the Expo concludes, the entire gated area will be repurposed into a “Global Village”, envisioned as a multicultural innovation hub filled with retail, hospitality, food & beverage, and residential units equipped with international-grade amenities. The site will evolve into a model of sustainable urban living and a year-round tourism magnet for visitors from around the world.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The economic implications are significant. According to official projections, the construction and development phases of Expo 2030 Riyadh will contribute approximately $64 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, while creating over 171,000 direct and indirect jobs across sectors such as construction, logistics, event management, and hospitality.
Once operational, the site is expected to inject another $5.6 billion annually into the national economy, bolstering tourism receipts and foreign direct investment. PIF added that participating countries will be given the opportunity to build permanent national pavilions, ensuring long-lasting cultural and business ties well beyond the duration of the Expo.
PIF’s Strategic Vision
Speaking on the initiative, Saad Alkroud, Head of Local Real Estate Investment at PIF, noted:
“ERC benefits from PIF’s diverse local and global ecosystem, and the establishment of this company aligns perfectly with our real estate investment strategy that supports economic diversification and innovation under Saudi Vision 2030.”
PIF, one of the world’s most active sovereign wealth funds, continues to lead transformative development projects that enhance urban livability, smart city technologies, and cultural capital, cementing Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a top-tier global investment and tourism destination.
Sustainability at the Forefront
True to Saudi Arabia’s climate-conscious agenda, Expo 2030 Riyadh will embody green building principles, renewable energy integration, and smart mobility solutions. The design will incorporate solar energy grids, intelligent water recycling systems, and green transportation corridors, aligning with the Kingdom’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
Through ERC, PIF will ensure that sustainability isn’t just a concept, but a measurable, actionable goal reflected in every aspect of the Expo’s development and operations.
Strategic Connectivity and Cultural Programming
The site’s location near King Salman International Airport positions it as a future gateway to the Middle East. Its proximity to Riyadh’s metro network and major highways also ensures direct access to cultural landmarks such as the Diriyah Gate, Riyadh Season venues, and historical UNESCO sites.
In addition to infrastructure, ERC plans to collaborate with international cultural institutions and event specialists to curate a dynamic cultural calendar, including global art exhibitions, performance spaces, and immersive installations that reflect the Expo’s theme of “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.”
Private Sector Collaboration and Global Partnerships
ERC will engage with both local and international stakeholders to bring the Expo to life. The company will partner with global architectural firms, engineering companies, and sustainability experts to ensure delivery meets world-class standards. Simultaneously, it invites foreign governments and corporations to invest in long-term development opportunities, such as hospitality chains, real estate ventures, and innovation labs.
By combining cutting-edge design, environmental stewardship, and economic diversification, Expo 2030 Riyadh aims to be more than an event—it’s a movement toward a smarter, more sustainable future for tourism.
Conclusion
With Expo 2030 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is not only preparing to host a landmark global event but is also laying the foundation for a new tourism ecosystem—one that seamlessly integrates innovation, culture, infrastructure, and sustainability. Through the launch of Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC) and PIF’s strategic vision, Riyadh is poised to become a world-class destination and a model for post-expo legacy development.
As the world looks ahead to 2030, all eyes will be on Riyadh—not just for the Expo itself, but for the lasting transformation it promises to deliver for global tourism.
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