On August 25, France became the first country to officially sign a participation contract for Expo 2030 in Riyadh. And in the last number of days, two of Saudi Arabia's closest regional neighbours followed suit and also signed contracts to take part and host pavilions at the World Expo.

Bahrain signed its Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh on September 3, 2026. The signing was officiated between Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, and His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

Oman’s signing on September 6 marks the third nation to sign a Participation Contract in less than two weeks, as preparations move from countries confirming their attendance towards the development of individual pavilions and experiences.

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Oman's paricipation at Expo 2030

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Oman has become the latest nation to formally commit to its participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh, signing the participation contract on September 6, 2026. The contract was signed at the Expo 2030 Riyadh site on September 6, 2026, by His Excellency Sayyid Saeed Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture and Commissioner General of the Sultanate of Oman Pavilion, and Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh.

Speaking at the signing, Sayyid Saeed Sultan Al Busaidi said that the pavilion would present Oman’s heritage and culture, the achievements of its people and their ambitions. Although the design and specific content of the pavilion have not been detailed in the announcement. Following the signing, the Omani delegation toured the Expo site, including the plot designated for the Sultanate of Oman Pavilion.

Bahrain to host pavilion at Expo 2030

Bahrain Expo 2030

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Bahrain signed its Participation Contract for Expo 2030 on September 3, 2026, in the capital city of Manama. The agreement was signed by Talal Al-Marri and His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. It provides the framework for Bahrain’s pavilion, programmes and visitor experiences.

Bahrain is also expected to develop a sustainable pavilion designed to remain beyond the six-month Expo and become part of the Global Village, according to the Expo 2030 Riyadh organisers.

France first to confirm participation at Expo 2030

Riyadh Expo 2030 France Signing via X.com Expo 2030 RIyadh

Image: Expo 2030 Riyadh X.com

France became the first country to sign its Participation Contract on August 25, 2026, with the agreement signed in Paris by Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, and Jacques Maire, Chairman of the Compagnie Française des Expositions (COFREX). France’s agreement formally established its participation and provided the framework for preparations for its pavilion, programmes, visitor experience and operations during the Expo. The French pavilion is planned for the “Planet” zone, under the theme “Under One Sky.”

Read more about France's participation here

What can we expect from Expo 2030 Riyadh?

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Expo 2030 is slated to take place in the Saudi capital from October 1, 2030 to March 31, 2031.

According to the organisers, international participation is central to the Expo’s ambition of providing a platform for action. The event is intended to facilitate collaboration between participating countries and organisations while encouraging new approaches to challenges and opportunities ahead.

Expo 2030 will be held under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow”, bringing countries and organisations together in the Saudi capital to explore shared challenges and opportunities, exchange knowledge and perspectives, and develop new partnerships.

More than 145 countries have agreed to participate in Expo 2030 Riyadh, with formal Participation Contracts now beginning to follow as preparations advance. The latest announcement states that the Expo is expected to bring together 197 Official Participants and welcome 42 million visits.

Expo 2030 Riyadh will take place from October 1, 2030 - March 31, 2031
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