Prime Highlights
- France’s pavilion to showcase creativity and innovation through the elements of sky, earth, fire and water.
- Expo site to become a permanent Global Village for tourism, business and cultural exchange.
Key Facts
- France becomes first country to sign a Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh.
- Expo 2030 Riyadh expected to attract 42 million visits and over 200 official participants.
Background
France has become the first country to sign a Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh, marking a major step forward in preparations for the six-month event.
The agreement, signed in Paris by Talal Al-Marri, chief executive of Expo 2030 Riyadh, and Jacques Maire, chairman of the Compagnie Francaise des Expositions (COFREX), sets out the framework for France’s participation, including its pavilion location, size, theme and overall visitor experience.
The ceremony took place during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to France and was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, secretary general of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate preparations for the Expo, which is expected to attract 42 million visits and bring together more than 200 official participants, with over 135 countries already confirming participation by June.
Al-Marri called France’s signing an important milestone, highlighting the country’s rich history with World Expos and its expertise in culture and innovation.
France’s pavilion will sit in the Planet district under the theme “Under One Sky,” built around the elements of sky, earth, fire and water to showcase French creativity and innovation, particularly in environmental protection.
Maire welcomed the chance to put French capabilities on a global stage, saying he felt proud to contribute to the Expo’s success. This signing came after a separate agreement between Saudi Arabia and the BIE that set the legal framework for international participation.
Expo 2030 Riyadh runs from October 2030 to March 2031 under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow,” and the site will later turn into a permanent Global Village.
