With four years to go before the Saudi capital welcomes the world for Expo 2030, preparations are moving from plans on paper to formal commitments, with France becoming the first country to sign an official Participation Contract for the event.
In November 2025, following the culmination of Expo 2025 in Osaka, Riyadh immediately signalled its intent to deliver the most globally representative World Expo in history in 2030, extending formal participation invitations to 197 nations and 22 international organisations.
This agreement comes off the back of news earlier in the week that Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya Investment Company would be investing a sum of close to US$7 billion / €6 billion in three theme parks near Paris. This entertainment destination is set to include a major Dragon Ball Z theme park attraction, and overall, the project is expected to create 22,000 jobs.
Signed in Paris on August 25, by Engr. Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, and Jacques Maire, chairman of the Compagnie Française des Expositions (COFREX), during HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud’s visit to France over the last week: the contract formally establishes France’s participation. Further to firming France's commitment to exhibiting at Expo 2030, the contract outlines the location and space allocated in the Expo 2030 site for the French pavilion, the pavilion's theme and the broad scope of its visitor and business experience.
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Everything we know about France’s Expo 2030 pavilion
France will take its place in the Expo’s Planet district, embracing the theme of “Under One Sky”. Its pavilion will be built around four elements — sky, earth, fire and water — with the experience intended to combine immersive storytelling with a showcase of French expertise. According to COFREX, who will manage the destination, the pavilion will provide a platform for French companies to demonstrate capabilities linked to environmental protection and ecological transition, while also encouraging international exchange and collaboration.
France’s early commitment comes as the wider Expo project enters a significant new phase.
On August 25, Saudi Arabia and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) also signed the Expo’s See Agreement, establishing the legal framework and privileges for official international participants. More than 135 countries had already confirmed their participation by June, with the Expo expected to bring together more than 200 official participants.
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What to expect from Expo 2030 Riyadh
Running from October 1, 2030 to March 31, 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh will take place under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow”. Organisers expect around 42 million visits to the site during the six-month event.
The Expo site will span approximately six million square metres, with around two million square metres of gated exhibition and event space. Centred around Wadi Al Sulai, the masterplan draws on the area's natural landscape and Riyadh’s historic relationship with its waterways, while incorporating Saudi architectural and cultural influences.
The ambition extends beyond the Expo itself. Following the six-month event, the site is planned to become a permanent Global Village, creating a long-term destination for tourism, business, innovation and cultural exchange.
Expo 2030 Riyadh, from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031
expo2030riyadh.sa
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