NEW DELHI – Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the World Expo 2030 is a clear manifestation of its ambitious Vision 2030 reform plan. The reform initiative, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to diversify the nation’s economy and reduce its dependency on oil. Hosting the Expo 2030 would allow Riyadh to showcase its ongoing transformations and strides towards becoming a global hub for trade, investment, tourism, and culture.
The growing international support for Saudi Arabia’s bid, including endorsements from both African and Latin American nations, underscores the Kingdom’s expanded diplomatic outreach and improving global relations. These endorsements are particularly significant given the geopolitical weight and the diversified nature of the supporting countries, suggesting Riyadh’s diplomatic efforts in different regions are bearing fruit.
The endorsements from African nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic underscore Saudi Arabia’s deepening ties with the continent. Over recent years, the Kingdom has been making significant efforts to strengthen its relationships with African nations, providing aid, fostering economic ties, and supporting peacekeeping efforts. This enhanced relationship is further demonstrated by Congo’s continued support for the Saudi-African and Arab-African Summits in Riyadh.
Moreover, support from nations like Palestine, Colombia, Uruguay, Argentina, Botswana, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Mozambique amplifies the notion that Saudi Arabia’s bid is perceived positively on an international level. This support reflects Riyadh’s dynamic foreign policy and its efforts to forge strong bilateral relations.
However, hosting the Expo 2030 is not just about boosting Saudi Arabia’s international standing; it is intrinsically tied to the nation’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan. The Kingdom’s proposed Expo theme, “The Era of Change: Leading the Planet to a Foresighted Tomorrow,” dovetails perfectly with the timeline and objectives of Vision 2030. It provides an opportunity to spotlight Saudi Arabia’s rapid socio-economic transformation, its potential as a major economic hub, and its commitment to sustainable development.
Significant infrastructural developments, such as the Riyadh Air project and the King Abdullah Financial District, indicate the country’s readiness to handle a large-scale international event like the World Expo. The remarks from the BIE secretary general, praising Riyadh’s rapid development and affirming the city’s readiness, further validate Saudi Arabia’s strong candidature.
Nevertheless, competition from Busan in South Korea and Italian capital Rome will provide a significant challenge. All these cities have their unique attractions and are capable of hosting a successful Expo. As the final selection draws closer, Saudi Arabia will need to leverage its growing international support and showcase its significant transformations to win the bid.
To sum up, Saudi Arabia’s bid for the Expo 2030 and the ensuing international support represents not only the country’s ambitious national reform plan but also its evolving global positioning. While challenges remain, the Kingdom seems determined to continue its journey of transformation, with or without the Expo, marking a new era for Saudi Arabia on the international stage.
Abdul Wasey is the Editor of India’s business newspaper The Financial World.
The opinions expressed are those of the author and may not reflect the editorial policy or an official position held by TRENDS.