With masterplanning approved, groundwork already under way and the first architectural concepts moving into detailed design, Expo 2030 Riyadh is steadily moving from ambition to execution.
Speaking at MIPIM 2026, Giovanna Carnevali, Head of Design and Executive Director, Expo 2030 Riyadh, outlined how the Kingdom is designing one of the most complex global mega-events ever undertaken — an Expo conceived not simply as a six-month exhibition, but as a long-term urban district for the Saudi capital.
“Expo is a great platform for architecture because we can express the best type of architectural thinking we can find on Earth,” Carnevali told the audience. “But it is also a great opportunity for a city to build something that goes beyond the six months of the duration of the Expo. That is exactly what we want to do — create something that remains long after the event.”
The event will take place from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow.”
Organisers expect around 197 participating countries and organisations and roughly 42 million visits during the six-month event.
A strategically located site connected to Riyadh’s future infrastructure
The Expo site is located in the northern part of Riyadh, close to King Khalid International Airport.
According to Carnevali, the location was chosen to maximise connectivity and long-term urban integration.
“The site is very strategically located in Riyadh,” she explained. “We are very close to the airport, and the site will be extremely well connected with infrastructure. We will have a new metro line operational by 2030 and five independent access points to the site.”
The overall plot covers 6 million square metres, with approximately 2 million square metres dedicated to the core Expo event area.
The exhibition site itself will accommodate:
- 81 self-built national pavilions
- around 100 partner pavilions
- up to 44 additional rented pavilions
In total, the event is expected to host 189 countries and 29 international organisations, supported by around 52,000 volunteers.
The masterplan: a cellular structure inspired by Riyadh’s landscape
The masterplan for Expo 2030 Riyadh has recently received conceptual approval, with the detailed masterplan expected to be finalised in 2026.
The site is organised using what Carnevali described as a cellular grid, shaped by the natural landscape and historic wadis of Riyadh.
Five major development “cells” form the backbone of the exhibition grounds.
These districts are connected by landscaped green corridors — the wadis — which run across the site and structure the public realm.
“These five cells are linked together by wadis that cross the site,” Carnevali explained. “They are very important not only for the event but also for the long-term legacy, because they create green corridors and shaded public spaces.”
At the heart of the design lies a large central structure known as the “Loop of Nations.”
This pentagonal circulation route forms the central organisational spine of the Expo.
“The country pavilions will be allocated along this loop on both sides, ensuring a seamless visitor experience across the site.”
Five signature thematic pavilions anchor the different districts:
- Place & Planet
- Culture of Wisdom
- Central Arabia (host nation pavilion)
- Adaptation & Innovation
- Global Collaboration Centre
Each pavilion reflects one of the Expo’s thematic priorities and helps organise visitor flows throughout the exhibition grounds.
A walkable visitor experience designed for millions
The Expo masterplan is designed to manage very large visitor flows while maintaining a coherent urban experience.
Visitors arriving via the new metro station will walk approximately 800 metres to the main entrance before entering the central exhibition zone.
From there, they move into the Loop of Nations, surrounded by country pavilions, thematic attractions and retail areas.
Carnevali described the experience as a blend of cultural exploration and urban public space. “In the Loop of Nations you can explore the world through the country pavilions,” she said.
Beyond the central pavilion loop lies a souq-style district featuring retail, restaurants and partner pavilions.
“It is a walkable space where people can sit, enjoy a coffee and experience the different pavilions and venues.”
The site will also include an iconic central landmark structure designed to host performances and public events both day and night.
Hotels, retail and entertainment
The event will require substantial hospitality and visitor infrastructure.
The current concept masterplan includes:
- 60,000 sq m of retail space
- 54,000 sq m of entertainment venues
- 2,000 hotel rooms
Of these hotel rooms, approximately 504 will be dedicated specifically to the Expo during the event period.
Hotels and accommodation areas are strategically distributed across the site to serve both the Expo itself and future city development once the event concludes.
Designing the legacy before the event
Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of Expo 2030 Riyadh is the planning philosophy behind it.
Instead of designing an event first and thinking about reuse later, planners began with the long-term urban district and then integrated the Expo into that vision.
Carnevali said this approach was set by Saudi leadership from the beginning.
“Our leadership told us from the very beginning: start with the legacy and then work backwards to fit the Expo into it.”
She described this as the smartest way to design a new city district.
“That is the most intelligent way to plan a city — to think about the long-term future first.”
After the Expo closes in 2031, the exhibition site will transform into a permanent mixed-use district.
The central “Loop of Nations” area will become a global cultural and commercial hub, while surrounding areas will evolve into a new urban neighbourhood.
The long-term plan includes:
- approximately 60,000 residential units
- 200,000 sq m of office space
- roughly 270,000 sq m of retail and food-and-beverage areas
Green corridors and public spaces created for the Expo will remain as permanent urban infrastructure.
“We want to create a destination that people want to come to — not only during the Expo but afterwards as well.”
Construction already under way
Despite the scale and complexity of the project, construction activity has already begun.
Carnevali confirmed that groundworks and infrastructure preparation are already under way on the site.
“If you land in Riyadh today you will see the dust — the site is already active.”
The Expo development office is already located on site, overseeing preparation work and infrastructure construction.
“Expo is not a project on paper anymore — it is a reality we are working on every day.”
A collaborative approach to architecture
Unlike many large exhibitions where national pavilions compete for architectural attention, Expo 2030 Riyadh is aiming for a more integrated design approach.
Carnevali explained that organisers are encouraging architects to work collaboratively rather than competing for iconic standalone buildings.
“We do not want a single object racing for attention in the Expo,” she said.
“We want architects to work together to create a better urban environment and a coherent context.”
While she acknowledged that managing such collaboration among architects can be challenging, she believes the result will be a stronger overall urban design.
“There are many egos,” she joked, “but collaboration is essential to create a better city environment.”
A platform for global collaboration
For Saudi Arabia, Expo 2030 Riyadh is not just a global exhibition but a platform for international collaboration in architecture, innovation and urban development.
The theme “Foresight for Tomorrow” reflects that ambition.
“The Expo is about how technology and innovation can help us create better solutions for humanity, while always remembering that people — and future generations — must remain at the centre.”
As the project moves through design and construction phases over the next five years, Expo 2030 Riyadh is expected to become one of the defining global events of the decade — and a major milestone in the transformation of Riyadh into a global capital city.
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Photos courtesy Expo 30 Riyadh
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