Riyadh pulls out all the stops in its bid to host World Expo 2030

Riyadh City is one of the fastest-growing capitals in the world and a thriving metropolis. Part of Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision masterplan for its transformation includes a bid backed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to host the World Expo 2030 with a budget of €7.2 billion. World Expos are global events that aim to find solutions to challenges to humanity and create a dynamic space to activate change.

Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Acting CEO at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City says Riyadh will put on an "unprecedented show."

"We are expecting when we build this expo that everybody will participate," he told Focus. "All the people will participate and they will show their value, their tradition and everything and share it with others."

The capital of Saudi Arabia is home to over 7.5 million residents and over 40% of them are expats who are witnessing big changes in the infrastructure of the Kingdom from business to the arts to education. 

Downe House is Riyadh's first British International School for Girls and has a pledge to motivate and inspire. Adele O'Doherty from the UK is the Principal and told Focus that while being a truly international school, the need to celebrate local culture was imperative.

"It's really important to our families, no matter how much they want to want Saudi Arabia to be part of the global stage, that their culture is recognised and that the Arabic language stays alive," she explained.

Riyadh's art and culture scene is booming. Riyadh Season is one of the world's largest winter entertainment events covering art, music, theatre, food and sport. In addition, MDLBeast Soundstorm is the biggest musical festival in the Middle East