المملكة: Urgent: The Expo banner is officially handed over from Japan to Saudi Arabia at the conclusion of the Osaka Expo

Expo 2030 Riyadh announced officially receiving the banner of the International Bureau of Exhibitions, during the closing ceremony of Expo 2025 Osaka, which concluded its work in Japan after six months of cultural events and dialogues that brought together participating countries and delegations from various parts of the world.

This step represents the official transfer of hosting responsibilities to the Kingdom, to begin the preparation phase for organizing an exceptional edition. From the exhibition in 2030.

Expo 2030 Riyadh provides an exceptional global platform to support and showcase innovative solutions and enhance efforts to achieve sustainability and comprehensive development, and embodies an essential pillar for consolidating the ambitious transformation process that the Kingdom is witnessing in light of the support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister -May God protect them-

The closing ceremony witnessed the receipt by Engineer, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers and CEO of the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh, Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Sultan, the banner of the International Bureau of Exhibitions, in the presence of the Minister of Economy and Planning, Mr. Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Japan, Dr. Ghazi bin Saeed bin Zaqr, and a number of senior figures and officials, in confirmation of the Kingdom’s commitment. And it is fully prepared to host the global event in 2030.

Engineer Al-Sultan confirmed at the conclusion of Expo 2025 in Japan that the transfer of the flag from Japan to Riyadh is an important milestone in the Kingdom’s journey towards hosting the world in Expo 2030 Riyadh, and an announcement of the start of the countdown to organize an unprecedented version of the most prominent exhibition in the world.

He explained that this event It embodies a new phase in the Kingdom’s march towards the future, thanks to the unlimited support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques – may God support him – and the direct leadership of His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect him -, in addition to the combined efforts of all state institutions, and the great welcome from citizens and residents of the Kingdom in general, and the city of Riyadh in particular, to provide an exceptional experience that expresses the Kingdom’s distinction and leadership in organizing global events, and embodies its vision of building a future. More innovative and cooperative for the whole world.

For his part, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, Engineer Talal Al Marri, said: "As we progress in the implementation phase, and Riyadh receives the banner of the International Bureau of Exhibitions, we look forward to presenting a distinctive version at Expo 2030 Riyadh, which will set new global standards in the fields of sustainability and innovation and will bring together the countries of the world under one umbrella to create a positive, sustainable impact."

The Expo 2030 Riyadh Company had organized a cultural event entitled: "From Osaka to Riyadh" On October 10 in the square "Expo Arena Matsuri"It witnessed the attendance of more than fifteen thousand visitors who enjoyed musical and cultural performances that combined Saudi and Japanese cultures.

The company also organized a number of workshops and bilateral meetings with participating countries, to discuss priorities and preparations related to hosting the exhibition.

The Saudi pavilion concluded its participation in Expo 2025 Osaka with remarkable success, Recording a new record in the number of visitors, reaching more than 3 million visitors.

It is noteworthy that Expo 2030 Riyadh will be held from October 1, 2030 to March 30, 2031, on an area of 6 million square meters, extending over five main areas that highlight Expo topics that include the latest technical innovations, comprehensive development, and sustainable solutions.

It is expected that The exhibition attracts more than 42 million visits from 197 countries and 29 organizations, providing a common space for exchanging ideas and proposing practical solutions that contribute to addressing the most prominent challenges.

Expo 2030 Riyadh seeks to leave a sustainable legacy and, after its conclusion, contribute to strengthening Riyadh’s position as a leading global center for international cooperation.