Saudi Arabia’s Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC), tasked with delivering the Riyadh Expo 2030 venue, has tendered a contract to build the site offices required for the initial construction works at the project site in Riyadh.

MEED understands that the contract was tendered on 29 May, with bids due in the first week of July.

The announcement follows the establishment of ERC as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) that will build and operate facilities for Expo 2030 in June.

In a statement, the PIF said: “During its construction phases, Expo 2030 Riyadh and its legacy are projected to contribute around $64bn to Saudi GDP and generate approximately 171,000 direct and indirect jobs. Once operational, it is expected to contribute approximately $5.6bn to GDP.”

The masterplan for Expo 2030 Riyadh encompasses an area of 6 square kilometres, making it one of the largest sites designated for a World Expo. Situated to the north of the city, the expo site will be located near the future King Salman International airport, providing direct access to various landmarks within the Saudi capital.

Countries participating in Expo 2030 Riyadh will have the option to construct permanent pavilions, contributing to the event’s legacy. This initiative is expected to create opportunities for business and investment growth in the region.

The expo is projected to attract over 40 million visitors. After the event concludes, ERC plans to convert the expo’s secured area into a global village, to serve as a multicultural centre for retail and dining. This development will also feature an international residential community with a range of amenities, with a focus on sustainable tourism practices.

Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031.

Last month, MEED reported that the PIF had named Talal Al-Marri as the CEO of ERC.

Al-Marri has previously held several senior executive roles at Saudi Aramco, including president and CEO of Aramco Europe, senior vice-president of community services and senior vice-president of industrial services.

In May, MEED exclusively reported that Riyadh had begun talks with stakeholders in preparation for the commencement of construction work for the event.

The discussions were understood to have been held with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and the PIF.

German architectural firm Lava Architects and US-based engineering firm Jacobs are assisting with the project masterplan and the design of infrastructure for the site.