Bahrain signs Expo 2030 Riyadh participation deal as pavilion planning begins
Bahrain has formally entered the planning and implementation phase for Expo 2030 Riyadh after signing its Participation Contract for the World Expo.
The agreement was signed in Manama by Expo 2030 Riyadh chief executive Talal Al-Marri and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities president Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
It establishes the organisational and operational terms for Bahrain’s presence throughout the six-month event, allowing work to proceed on its national pavilion, public program and visitor experiences.
Bahrain is expected to develop a sustainable pavilion that will remain at the site after the Expo closes.
The building would become part of the Global Village, a permanent feature planned as part of the site’s long-term use.
Sheikh Khalifa said Bahrain’s participation reflected its long-standing ties with Saudi Arabia and the expanding relationship between the two countries in several fields.
He said Bahrain intends to present its identity, achievements and future ambitions to an international audience.
Its program will also be designed to support cultural and knowledge exchange and create opportunities for partnerships.
Al-Marri said Participation Contracts shift countries from confirming attendance to deciding what they will present in Riyadh.
Each agreement allows detailed work to begin on national pavilions, program and experiences for visitors.
He said the Expo team would work with Bahrain during the next stage to develop a presence reflecting the country’s culture, ambitions and wider vision.
More than 145 countries have confirmed their participation, according to the Bahrain News Agency.
France signed its Participation Contract in Paris last month during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia and the Bureau International des Expositions have also signed the Special Regulations, Exhibitions and Exhibitors, known as the SEE Agreement.
The agreement sets the legal and administrative rules governing the involvement of participating countries and international organisations.
Construction and infrastructure work at the Expo site is continuing alongside operational planning and the design of activities intended for visitors.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will be held from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow”.
More than 200 official participants are expected to take part, while the organisers forecast about 42 million visits during the six-month event.
National pavilions, cultural program, technology, innovation and immersive displays will be used to encourage international exchange and collaboration.