US confirms Expo 2030 Riyadh participation with contract signed in Atlanta
Saudi Arabia and the United States signed a contract formalizing American participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh after Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Atlanta.
Sara Khan
US pavilion planned for Technology precinct
The contract establishes a framework for the two countries to prepare for US participation, according to Arabian Business. An Expo 2030 Riyadh release distributed by Business Wire said the United States will build its pavilion on a dedicated plot in the exhibition's Technology precinct, showcasing American innovation, creativity and technological leadership.
Saudi Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan attended both the ministers' meeting and the signing ceremony. Expo 2030 Riyadh CEO Talal Al-Marri also attended the ceremony, the release said.
Prince Faisal and Rubio held their talks on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Their discussions covered the Saudi-US strategic relationship, opportunities for cooperation in priority areas, regional developments and efforts to address the region's challenges. The Saudi announcement described the subsequent contract as reflecting the Expo's commitment to international cooperation and partnerships with participating countries.
More than 185 participants confirmed
By the time of the US signing, more than 185 Official Participants had confirmed they would take part, according to the Expo release. Work was progressing on pavilion plans, exhibition content and programming.
France signed the first Participation Contract, with Bahrain, Oman and Gabon following, according to Expo 2030 Riyadh's official news hub. Other countries were preparing to sign.
Al-Marri said the contract-signing process had started earlier than for any previous World Expo. Organizers attributed that timing to growing international confidence in Saudi Arabia as the host.
Six-month exhibition and permanent site plans
Expo 2030 Riyadh is scheduled for October 1, 2030, through March 31, 2031, with the theme "Foresight for Tomorrow." Organizers expect 197 Official Participants and more than 42 million visits. The six-million-square-meter site will span five districts.
After the exhibition closes, plans call for the site to become a permanent destination known as "Global Village," forming part of the event's legacy for Riyadh.
