Riyadh is rapidly accelerating site preparations for Expo 2030, with the construction momentum shifting from land development to utility and infrastructure works. With the October 2030 opening date drawing closer, the 6-million-sq-m greenfield site in the capital’s north is preparing to position itself as a highly connected, future-ready urban district.
Initial infrastructure works have commenced with the award of two key contracts. Last month, Al Yamama Company was appointed for the enabling works, including internal road networks and smart mobility systems.
This follows a contract awarded in December last year, Nesma & Partners to undertake the main utilities and infrastructure works package to prepare the site for subsequent construction phases and supports the operational requirements of the event itself. Around 50 km of infrastructure networks will be delivered as part of this package.
Complementing these works, Saudi Energy has initiated the tender process for three 132/13.8-kV substations to ensure grid stability for the Expo site and the surrounding urban periphery. These developments follow a broader framework agreement with Binyah, a subsidiary of Saudi Real Estate Company (Al Akaria), for essential site logistics, demolition, and comprehensive earthworks.
Ground-breaking for participating country pavilions is anticipated by the third-quarter of this year. The project, which has been allocated $7.8 billion by the Saudi government, has reported that over 1.5 million sq m – approximately 25 per cent of the total site – has already been levelled.
Global project management expertise is being provided by Bechtel while Buro Happold is serving as the lead design consultant for the detailed masterplan and detailed design of public realm, landscape, infrastructure and utilities for Expo 2030 Riyadh and its legacy.
The development remains on track to host 197 nations under the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow”.
By integrating renewable energy systems and legacy-focused urban planning, the Expo 2030 Riyadh site is designed to function as a permanent, sustainable hub for the capital long after the exhibition concludes in March 2031 (see also Gulf Construction, March 2026, Page 20).