Saudi Arabia and the Bureau International des Expositions have signed the “See Agreement” for Expo 2030 Riyadh, setting out the legal and administrative framework under which countries and international organisations will take part in the world fair, the parties said on August 25.
The agreement, signed in Paris on the sidelines of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to France, gives participants the formal terms they need to advance through the design, construction and operational stages ahead of an event that forms a centrepiece of Saudi Arabia’s push to build a tourism and events sector under its Vision 2030 diversification drive. Expo 2030 Riyadh is expected to draw 42mn visits and more than 200 official participants over its six-month run.
The framework covers travel and visa arrangements, tax and customs measures, mobility support and other technical requirements for participating countries and their teams. It follows approval of the agreement by the BIE general assembly in Paris in June 2026.
“The signing of the See Agreement marks an important milestone in preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh,” said Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, secretary general of the BIE. “International participants are at the heart of every World Expo, and this Agreement reflects our shared commitment to providing them with the framework and support required for successful participation in Riyadh.”
Talal Al-Marri, chief executive of Expo 2030 Riyadh, said the agreement marked a step in fulfilling the kingdom’s commitment to welcome countries and organisations from around the world. “We are proud to be building a World Expo that will strengthen connections between nations, showcase the progress and capabilities of Saudi Arabia, and create a lasting impact for Riyadh, the Kingdom and the world,” he said.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 1, 2030 to March 31, 2031 under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow”, across a 6mn square metre site. After the event, the site is planned to become a permanent global village.