Riyadh Selected to Host the World Expo 2030

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The Facts

  • A vote conducted by the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) has seen Saudi Arabia beat its opponents by a landslide to host the 2030 World Exposition in its capital Riyadh. The Kingdom intends to host the event between October 2030 and March 2031.

  • Riyadh won the bid with 119 (72%) of the 165 votes, ahead of the South Korean port city of Busan with 29 votes (18%), followed by the Italian capital Rome with 17 votes (10%). Riyadh's bid was officially backed by French President Emmanuel Macron, and subject to criticism from some activists over human rights concerns.

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Riyadh's successful bid to host the World Expo 2030 is cause for celebration. By showcasing the latest technological marvels to international tourists and officials, Saudi Arabia will have the opportunity to build closer ties with western nations and firm up its reputation as a key player, in terms of innovation and diplomacy, for years to come.

CIO

Establishment-critical narrative

Allowing Saudi Arabia to host the World Expo 2030 is a huge mistake with international implications. This outcome signials that the Bureau of International des Expositions (BiE) holds no regard for human rights — it is failing to take a stand against a morally corrupt regime. Saudi Arabia is an inappropriate backdrop to a meeting centered on global solutions to today’s global challenges.

DAWN

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