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Groundwork Begins: PMC Appointed to Steer Riyadh Expo 2030 Vision

Saudi Arabia’s USD 7.8 billion Riyadh Expo 2030 project officially entered a critical preparatory phase with Bechtel Corporation appointed as the Project Management Consultant (PMC). This appointment solidifies the foundational planning for what is expected to be one of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives in the Kingdom in the lead-up to the World Expo, scheduled to run from October 1, 2030 to March 31, 2031.

Located adjacent to King Salman International Airport, the 6 million square meter site will be supported by Riyadh Metro’s integrated transport network, ensuring multimodal connectivity to three main entrances and broader city infrastructure. The master plan, inspired by the topography of Wadi As Sulai, introduces a human-centric layout with an emphasis on walkability, ecological regeneration, and district-level urbanism.

Thematic planning for the event is organized into five distinct zones:

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia District

Global Collaboration District

Transformational Technology District

Sustainable Solutions District

Prosperous People District

These zones align with Saudi Arabia’s long-term national development blueprint, Vision 2030, showcasing the Kingdom’s priorities in sustainability, global cooperation, and technological advancement.

In a significant development, the Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC) had issued the first construction tender associated with the mega-event. Launched on May 29, the tender invites bids for the construction of on-site offices, marking the formal initiation of the construction phase. Tender submissions are due by early July, and the outcome will set the tone for a sequence of future packages expected to cover broader site development.

The event, themed “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,” is scheduled to run from October 1, 2030 to March 31, 2031. It is expected to attract over 40 million physical visitors and around 1 billion virtual participants through an integrated Metaverse platform. The site will be designed to accommodate participation from over 226 nations, reinforcing its stature as a globally inclusive event.

Following the Expo, the site will undergo transformation into a sustainable urban district, supporting Riyadh’s vision of long-term economic diversification and livable urban growth. This post-event transition reflects a broader trend in Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects, where legacy planning is embedded from the outset.

Recent construction sector updates from Saudi Arabia confirm continued momentum in urban infrastructure, with Riyadh emerging as a central hub for major events, tourism, and investment. With the first tender released and infrastructure oversight now formalized, Expo 2030 Riyadh is firmly entering its execution phase, signaling steady progress toward one of the Kingdom’s most high-profile global engagements.

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