The US has confirmed its participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh as an official participant, joining a growing list of international and regional partners.
Building on eight decades of bilateral ties, Washington’s participation reinforces the Saudi-US strategic partnership and underlines global confidence in the Kingdom’s marquee event.
Expo 2030 Gains Momentum
Driving the News: On the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed an agreement that formalizes Washington’s participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh.
The Big Picture: The signing took place during a bilateral meeting, in which the two officials reviewed Saudi-US strategic ties and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation across various sectors. They also discussed the latest developments in the region and efforts to address them.
Why It Matters: Expo 2030 marks the milestone year of Saudi Arabia’s transformative reform plan under Vision 2030. US participation signals a strategic endorsement of Vision 2030’s culmination.
Deepening Saudi-US Partnership
The Context: Official US participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh underscores the strength of Saudi-US bilateral ties that date back over 80 years, uniting the two economic powerhouses under Vision 2030 momentum.
Between the Lines: The event provides a unique opportunity for American businesses and startups to expand their footprint in Saudi Arabia‘s mega-projects and boost cooperation across key focus industries, such as artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy, space exploration, infrastructure, and entertainment.
What They Said: “Expo 2030 is an important platform to advance American innovation, expand US businesses opportunities, and strengthen our strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.” – Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State.
“The US participation reflects the strength of our longstanding relationship and our shared commitment to innovation, economic opportunity, and bringing people and ideas together. We look forward to welcoming the United States to Riyadh in 2030 and building on the opportunities this global event will create for our two nations and the world.” – Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US.
Expo 2030 Riyadh: Heralding an Era of Change
State of Play: Saudi Arabia will host World Expo 2030 under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,” from October 1, 2030 to March 31, 2031 in Riyadh. With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the center, the event will focus on three sub-themes: A Different Tomorrow, Climate Action, and Prosperity for All, harnessing science and innovation to secure a better, inclusive future.
Flashback: Riyadh won the bid to host Expo 2030 in November 2023, after beating contenders like Busan in South Korea and Rome in Italy, securing 119 out of 165 votes.
By the Numbers:
- 6 million m2: Total site area.
- 42+ million: Expected visitors.
- 230+: Total pavilions.
- 197: Participating nations.
Growing Global Outreach
Zoom In: Expo 2030 Riyadh is gaining increased global momentum as more countries are joining as official participants. Saudi Arabia has extended invitations to all 193 UN member states as well as observer states and international entities. As of March 2026, 182 countries have confirmed their participation.
Confirmed Participation
Formally Signed Contracts:
- The US, France, Bahrain, Oman, Gabon, and Azerbaijan.
Pledged/Confirmed Participation:
- Major Economies: China, Japan, Italy, Germany, the UK, and South Korea.
- Regional Countries: Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, the UAE, and Türkiye.
- Asia-Pacific Partners: India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia.
- European and American Nations: Spain, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.
Riyadh’s Urban Transformation
What to Watch: Expo 2030 Riyadh is widely viewed as a global showcase of the massive transformation of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. The landmark global gathering will further solidify the Saudi capital as a world-class metropolis, financial hub, and international cultural epicenter.
Go Deeper: Riyadh’s state-of-the-art infrastructure will provide seamless access to the event, with the Riyadh Metro, King Salman International Airport, and AI-driven smart transport connecting over 42 million expected visitors. Furthermore, the Expo site targets net-zero operational emissions powered entirely by renewable energy. Following the event, pavilions will be repurposed or donated to developing nations, while the site will transition into a permanent smart innovation district.
The Bottom Line: US participation gives a major boost for Expo 2030 as a defining moment for global cooperation. The flagship event reinforces Saudi Arabia’s status as a premier hub for global events that unite world leaders and major economies to build a better future for all.
