The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced the creation of Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC), that will design, build, and operate the Expo 2030 Riyadh
Written by Reeba Asghar
- Expo 2030 Riyadh Company will develop Expo as a model for sustainable tourism, and preserve the event’s legacy
- Expo 2030 Riyadh is projected to contribute almost $70 billion to Saudi GDP
- PIF leads development of transformative giga-projects and landmark real estate initiatives across Saudi Arabia
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has officially launched the Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC), a wholly-owned subsidiary established to develop, manage, and operate all facilities for the highly anticipated Expo 2030 Riyadh – the Kingdom’s first World Expo.
This strategic move marks a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s vision to host a transformative global event, setting a new benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.
A Mega-Project with a Global Vision
The masterplan for Expo 2030 Riyadh spans a vast 6 million square meters, making it one of the largest World Expo sites in history. Located in the northern part of Riyadh, the Expo site will benefit from direct connectivity to key city landmarks and will lie in close proximity to the upcoming King Salman International Airport , further positioning Riyadh as a global hub.
The event is expected to welcome over 40 million visits, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s cultural richness, technological innovation, and commitment to sustainable development on the world stage.
Legacy Beyond 2030
ERC’s role will extend beyond the Expo event . The company will spearhead the transformation of the site into a global village, a vibrant multicultural destination with a diverse mix of retail, food and beverage outlets, as well as a residential international community supported by world-class amenities. The area is designed to serve as a model for sustainable tourism and urban living, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be a leader in future city development.
The launch of ERC is in line with PIF’s broader strategic mandate to drive economic diversification and generate sustainable long-term returns for Saudi Arabia. As one of the world’s most influential sovereign wealth funds, PIF continues to catalyze the development of critical sectors through landmark projects and giga-developments that shape the national and global economic landscape.
By backing Expo 2030 Riyadh, PIF continues to demonstrate its commitment to shaping Saudi Arabia’s future and positioning it as a global leader in innovation, culture, and sustainability.
Riyadh won the bid to host Expo 2030 in November 2023, securing victory in the first round of voting, a testament to the city’s growing international stature and bold developmental ambitions.
ERC Launches Full-Scale Operations
ERC is swiftly mobilizing operations to fulfill its mandate. The company will actively collaborate with local and global private sector partners to deliver world-class outcomes in construction, cultural programming, and event management.
Saad Alkroud, Head of the Local Real Estate Investment Division at PIF said: “ERC benefits from PIF’s diverse local and global ecosystem and the establishment of the company aligns with PIF’s local real estate strategy, which drives economic transformation and diversification, advancing urban innovation and enhancing quality of life, driven by the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Economic Impact and Global Opportunities
Expo 2030 Riyadh is set to be a major economic catalyst. During its development and construction phases, the project is projected to contribute approximately $64 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and generate around 171,000 direct and indirect jobs. Once operational, it will continue to stimulate the economy, contributing an estimated $5.6 billion to GDP.
Participating countries will also have the opportunity to build permanent pavilions, allowing them to play a role in shaping the long-term legacy of the site. This offers unique prospects for sustained international investment and business growth beyond the duration of the Expo itself.
