PIF Launches New Company to Deliver Expo 2030 Riyadh

In a first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund – Public Investment Fund (PIF) – on Thursday announced the launching of Expo 2030 Riyadh Company, which will build, operate, and invest in the facilities of Expo 2030 Riyadh.

The master plan for Expo 2030 Riyadh covers an area of ​​6 million sq. m. north of Riyadh, adjacent to the future King Salman International Airport. It will be one of the largest Expo sites in the history of the exhibition, directly connected to several key prominent locations.

It’s worth noting that Expo 2030 Riyadh is set to attract more than 40 million visitors. Following its completion, the company will transform the exhibition into a global village, a multicultural hub for retail and dining activities, surrounded by a world-class residential community, a model for sustainable tourism.

Saad Al-Kroud, Head of the General Department of Local Real Estate Investments at the Fund, said that Expo 2030 Riyadh will benefit from the PIF’s diverse local and global ecosystem.

The establishment of the company aligns with the Fund’s strategy in the real estate sector, which is driving the strengthening and diversification of the local economy, driving urban innovation, and improving quality of life, all in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, he said.

The company will launch its operations at an accelerated pace to achieve its objectives, and intends to form partnerships with the local and international private sector to achieve its goals in the fields of construction and building, as well as cultural programs and event organisation.

Projecting Riyadh’s Appeal

Expo 2030 Riyadh, scheduled to take place from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, will enhance Riyadh’s appeal to global businesses and companies, contributing to consolidating Riyadh’s position as one of the world’s fastest-transforming capitals, combining the concepts of sustainability, connectivity, and quality of life. Riyadh won the bid to host Expo 2030 in November 2024, following a vote in the first round.

During its construction phases, Expo 2030 Riyadh and its legacy are projected to contribute around $64 billion to Saudi GDP and generate approximately 171,000 direct and indirect jobs. Once operational, it is expected to contribute approximately $5.6 billion to GDP.

Countries participating in Expo 2030 Riyadh will have the option of building permanent pavilions and being part of the event’s legacy. The Expo will provide opportunities for long-term business and investment growth.

The event is second in the GCC region in less than a decade as it was held for the first time in Dubai in 2022.