Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome the world to its capital city, Riyadh, for the Expo 2030 world fair. Members of the Bureau International des Expositions Enquiry Mission met with Majid Alkassabi, Minister of Commerce, and Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism, to discuss the country's bid to host the event. The government's blueprint for the event was laid out, with the aim of making Riyadh one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.
Members of BIE Enquiry Mission visited the headquarters of the @DGDA_SA and were briefed on its development plan by the CEO, Mr. Jerry Inzerillo. The delegation then took a tour at the Turaif and Bujairi districts.#RiyadhExpo2030 pic.twitter.com/nX1rNPXpkH
— Riyadh Expo 2030 (@Riyadh_Expo2030) March 10, 2023
Plans are well underway to develop a sustainable tourism sector and welcome 100 million tourists by 2030. The Enquiry Mission delegation was impressed by the changes that have been made to the hospitality industry since Saudi Arabia first opened its doors to international visitors.
During their visit, the delegation also took a tour of the Turaif and Bujairi districts and were briefed on development plans by Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Gate Development Authority. They later attended a dinner hosted by Faisal Al-Ibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning, who highlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its economy and increase the share and GDP contribution of the non-oil sector.
Boosting tourism is a key part of the country's economic diversification strategy. Since the introduction of the tourism visa, visitors from around the world have come to explore Saudi Arabia's ancient history, striking landscapes, and hospitality. In 2022, Saudi Arabia welcomed 67 million visitors.
The proposed dates for the Expo 2030 in Riyadh are from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, to take advantage of the favorable weather conditions in the capital during that period. The event promises to be a spectacular showcase of innovation, culture, and technology, bringing together countries from around the world.
As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its economy and open up to the world, the Expo 2030 in Riyadh will be an important milestone, showcasing the country's potential and welcoming visitors from every corner of the globe.