Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC) to develop, operate, and manage the delivery of the Kingdom’s first-ever World Expo, which is expected to add nearly $70 billion to national GDP.
The new company, wholly owned by PIF, will oversee all stages of the project—from construction to operations—while also ensuring the event leaves a lasting urban and economic legacy beyond 2030.
The masterplan for Expo 2030 Riyadh spans 6 million square metres, making it one of the largest World Expo sites ever built. The site will be located north of Riyadh, with direct access to key city landmarks and the future King Salman International Airport.
New global destination
Beyond the six-month event, ERC plans to transform the Expo site into a permanent global village and mixed-use development, featuring retail, F&B, cultural spaces, and an international residential community.
The Expo is projected to attract over 40 million visits, and the post-event development will serve as a sustainable tourism model while acting as a multicultural hub for locals and visitors alike.
According to PIF, the project aligns with its broader real estate strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy, drive urban innovation, and enhance quality of life across the Kingdom.
PIF’s role in giga-projects
The launch of ERC is the latest in a series of high-profile initiatives led by PIF to deliver transformational projects in Saudi Arabia. PIF has been behind other major developments such as NEOM, Diriyah Gate, and Qiddiya, all aimed at creating new sectors and boosting investment flows.
“Expo Riyadh Company benefits from PIF’s diverse local and global ecosystem,” said Saad Alkroud, Head of Local Real Estate Investment at PIF. “This move aligns with our strategy to drive economic transformation through innovation in real estate and infrastructure.”
ERC is expected to partner with both local and international private sector players for construction, operations, and event programming in the lead-up to 2030.
Next steps: Building begins
With operations now launched, ERC is set to begin groundwork immediately, ensuring infrastructure and planning milestones are met.
The company will oversee construction of key Expo facilities, manage cultural and commercial programming, and develop the site’s long-term transformation plan.
The Expo is seen as a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s global engagement strategy, positioning Riyadh as a cultural and economic hub for decades to come.
