Dimitri Kerkentzes, head of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), revealed that Riyadh is getting ready to turn its Expo 2030 plans into reality. He expressed hope that the expo would be a key part of Saudi Arabia’s progress.
According to a statement from the BIE on Friday, Kerkentzes visited Riyadh for the first time since it won the bid in November 2023. During his four-day visit, he, along with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, checked out Saudi Arabia’s preparations for hosting the expo.
Kerkentzes also met with top Saudi officials to discuss the expo’s plans.
The statement noted that since Riyadh won the bid, preparations have been in full swing. The next step is to start work on the expo’s infrastructure. These efforts are part of Riyadh’s push to become one of the world’s top city economies and diversify its income sources.
The BIE announced that Riyadh will present a detailed plan for hosting Expo 2030. This plan covers legislative and financial measures, the main site layout, and legacy projects.
Once approved and registered at the BIE General Assembly, Riyadh Expo 2030 will kickstart Saudi Arabia’s engagement with participating countries and the implementation of the exhibition project.
During his visit to Riyadh, Kerkentzes spoke exclusively to Asharq Al-Awsat, marking his first interview since Riyadh won the bid to host the 2030 edition.
“We’re Here to Work Together”
Speaking about his first visit after Riyadh won the bid to host the Riyadh Expo 2030 in November last year, Kerkentzes remarked that it was great to be back in the Kingdom and that it feels like coming home.
“During our initial visit, we came together as one team to kickstart this important project everyone is excited about for 2030,” said Kerkentzes.
“What pleased me most was seeing Saudi teams get back to work in Riyadh within 24 hours of winning the bid. There wasn’t much time for celebration; they know there’s a lot of work ahead,” he added.
Kerkentzes praised the teams, particularly those at the Riyadh Royal Commission and the Public Investment Fund, for their hard work towards advancing to the next stage of preparation and beginning the implementation of this highly anticipated Expo edition, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by the General Assembly of the BIE as an “exceptional and unprecedented edition.”
“What Will Riyadh Be Like in 2030?”
When asked about Riyadh’s future in six years, Kerkentzes said: “Every time I go back to Riyadh, I see changes. There’s always something new happening, showing how much the city and Saudi Arabia are evolving… With the Crown Prince’s vision, I see Riyadh progressing each time I visit, making it a top destination by 2030.”
“Riyadh Expo 2030 will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s transformation,” added the BIE secretary-general.
Big Projects in Riyadh
Riyadh is buzzing with major projects underway, all in sync with the Kingdom’s national transformation plan, Saudi Vision 2030, and Riyadh Expo 2030.
When asked about standout projects, Kerkentzes chuckled and said, “Well, as you’d expect, being from the BIE, Riyadh Expo 2030 tops the list.”
“But let’s be realistic. Transforming a city and a nation takes time and careful planning. Saudi Vision 2030, led by the Crown Prince, is laying out a fantastic strategy for this. Riyadh Expo 2030 is a major part of that puzzle,” he added.
Breaking Technological Barriers
Kerkentzes believes that the Saudi Crown Prince aims to host “an expo like no other.”
Affirming that the goal is to go beyond what previous exhibition editions have done before, Kerkentzes urged all countries to think seriously about this during the six years of preparation.
“We want to bring the most innovative technologies here, which will be crucial for our future,” he said.
