Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been making a big push to secure the rights to host the 2030 World Exhibition, as part of his efforts to revamp the Kingdom’s image and position it as a more progressive nation. With Italy and South Korea as the opposing contenders, the competition is tight and the stakes are high. The upcoming vote in Paris will determine which country wins the right to host the glitzy event.
World Expos have historically been an opportunity for countries to showcase their achievements and potential, while also translating into significant economic benefits. This year, the decision of 182 nations’ delegates will chart the course of the expo for 2030. The process involves a series of votes until a single winner emerges.
The Saudi campaign has been strategically executed, with concerted efforts to win over delegates from various countries. The Kingdom has been at the forefront of the charm offensive, deploying a range of tactics to secure vital votes. This includes endorsements from influential leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as wining and dining delegates in lavish events.
At the heart of this diplomatic push is the ambition to project Saudi Arabia as a hub of progress and innovation. The Expo would provide an ideal platform to present the Kingdom’s vast economic opportunities and modern reforms, in line with its “Vision 2030” plans to diversify beyond oil.
The high-stakes nature of the competition has seen various countries engage in what some describe as “transactional diplomacy.” This involves making promises and offering incentives to secure the support of fellow nations. France’s own interest in securing lucrative contracts with Riyadh could be seen as a factor in its explicit backing of the Saudi bid.
But the race is not without controversy. Some observers have raised concerns over the influence of financial power in the decision-making process, with fears that it could disadvantage less wealthy nations in future bids. Desires for transparency and fairness in the selection process have been voiced by delegates from various countries, who hope for a level playing field that accommodates a diverse range of contenders.
Saudi Arabia’s ambitions extend beyond just the 2030 World Exhibition, with plans to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029 and the 2034 World Cup. The outcome of the upcoming vote in Paris holds more than just the opportunity to host a prestigious event; it signifies a country’s place on the global stage and its ability to forge strategic alliances.
As Paris becomes the battleground for this high-stakes contest, the world watches with anticipation as the drama unfolds. It is not merely about which country will win the bid, but also about the values and aspirations that will be celebrated on the global platform that the Expo provides.