Riyadh/Manama, 3 September 2026 – The Kingdom of Bahrain has signed its Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh, marking a new phase in preparations for its participation in the World Expo.
The agreement provides the formal framework for Bahrain’s participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh, enabling preparations to advance across the key organizational and operational aspects of its presence throughout the six-month event, including the development of its pavilion, programmes and visitor experiences.
The Participation Contract was signed in Bahrain by Talal Al-Marri, Chief Executive Officer of Expo 2030 Riyadh, on behalf of Expo 2030 Riyadh, and His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, on behalf of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, commented: “Bahrain’s participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh reflects the deep-rooted fraternal and historic ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the growing cooperation between the two countries across a wide range of fields.”
He added, “The signing of the Participation Contract marks an important milestone in Bahrain’s preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh and reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to playing an active role in this global event. Bahrain looks forward to presenting a participation that showcases its identity, achievements and future aspirations, while further strengthening its presence on the international stage. We aim to deliver a comprehensive national presence that reflects the significance of the event and the global platform it provides for cultural and knowledge exchange and building partnerships.”
Talal Al-Marri, Chief Executive Officer of Expo 2030 Riyadh, said: “The signing of Bahrain’s Participation Contract marks an important step in the preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh and reflects the growing momentum as participating countries move from confirming their participation to delivering what they will bring to Riyadh in 2030. As Participation Contracts are signed, Expo 2030 Riyadh is increasingly taking shape through the pavilions, programmes and experiences that participating countries will bring to visitors. We look forward to working closely with the Bahrain team in the next phase and to seeing a distinctive participation come to life – one that reflects Bahrain’s vision, culture and ambitions, while enriching the overall Expo 2030 Riyadh experience.”
The signing of Bahrain’s Participation Contract marks an important milestone in its journey towards Expo 2030 Riyadh, moving its participation from the confirmation and preparation stage into planning and implementation. Bahrain is also expected to develop a sustainable pavilion designed to remain beyond the six-month event and become part of the Global Village, a key component of Expo 2030 Riyadh’s enduring legacy.
More than 145 countries have confirmed their participation in Expo 2030 Riyadh, with formal Participation Contracts beginning to follow as preparations advance. This includes the recent signing of France’s Participation Contract last month in Paris, on the sidelines of the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to France.
This momentum in international participation builds on the recent signing of the See Agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which establishes the legal and administrative framework governing the participation of countries and international organisations. It also reflects the reflect the tangible progress across the broader preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh. Development of the Expo site, infrastructure and construction works continues at pace, alongside the advancement of operational planning and the development of distinctive experiences that will help shape the event and enrich the visitor journey.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will take place from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031 under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow.” The six-month event is expected to bring together more than 200 Official Participants and welcome 42 million visits. Through national pavilions, cultural programming, innovation and immersive experiences, Expo 2030 Riyadh will provide a global platform for international collaboration and exchange.