logo
Expo 2030 Riyadh secures final BIE approval as host nation

Expo 2030 Riyadh secures final BIE approval as host nation

Gulf Business5 hours ago

Saudi Arabia's capital has officially been confirmed as the host of
The approval marks the last formal step in the selection process, solidifying Riyadh's status as the next World Expo host.
As part of the proceedings, the World Expo flag was ceremonially handed over to the kingdom's delegation by the BIE.
The Saudi delegation was led by Engineer Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Minister of State and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), alongside Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to France, and senior officials.
'The approval of the registration dossier in record time highlights the kingdom's leadership on the global stage and underscores the world's confidence in Saudi Arabia's vision and capabilities,' Al-Sultan said, adding that it also reflects 'the high level of professionalism' shown by the teams involved in its preparation.
Master plan for Expo 2030 Riyadh
The registration dossier acts as a master plan for the expo, outlining Saudi Arabia's commitment to delivering a global platform for innovation, international cooperation, and sustainable development. Riyadh is the first
The approval now paves the way for the next phase of preparations, including the formal invitation of international participants through diplomatic channels.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will take place from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, on a sprawling six million- square-metre site, designed to accommodate over 40 million visits.
Organisers anticipate participation from more than 195 nations, supported by cutting-edge infrastructure, hospitality, and transportation.
The site is being developed to deliver an immersive and seamless visitor experience, in line with the broader ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.
Billed as one of the largest and most ambitious expos to date, Expo 2030 Riyadh aims to foster global dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange, while leaving a lasting legacy that resonates far beyond the kingdom's borders.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Harsh Middle East climate demands innovative cooling solutions
Harsh Middle East climate demands innovative cooling solutions

Khaleej Times

time25 minutes ago

  • Khaleej Times

Harsh Middle East climate demands innovative cooling solutions

The Middle East presents some of the most extreme climate conditions globally — not just in terms of temperature, but also with challenges like high humidity, dust, and saline air in certain coastal areas. These factors demand highly specialized Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, an industry expert said. Beyond environmental conditions, the region is undergoing rapid urbanization. Over the last 10 to 15 years, countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, and Qatar have seen significant infrastructure growth — driven by both population expansion and landmark global events like the World Cup. 'Here, cooling isn't seasonal — it's essential all year round. HVAC systems operate 24/7, especially during the peak summer months of July and August, where even a single day without cooling is unimaginable. Our goal is to balance this constant demand with sustainable performance, by offering customized, high-efficiency, and climate-adaptive HVAC solutions that ensure indoor comfort while meeting strict energy standards,' Ahmed Aqel, General Manager, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning, MEA, said in an interview. Q: How do you see HVAC systems evolving to meet modern electrical and sustainability targets? A: HVAC systems have undergone a major transformation in recent years. With the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced energy recovery solutions, today's systems are far more intelligent, responsive, and energy-efficient. These innovations enable HVAC systems to automatically adapt to real-time conditions, optimize energy usage, and reduce operational costs. As a result, HVAC has become a critical component of sustainable building design and energy-conscious infrastructure planning. Q: How is Johnson Controls–Hitachi supporting green building codes and regional sustainability frameworks? A: Sustainability is deeply embedded in our operations. Globally and locally, we are fully aligned with energy efficiency regulations and green building codes. In the UAE, for instance, we comply with systems like Estidama Pearl Rating and Abu Dhabi's Urban Planning Council (UPC) guidelines. Our systems are designed from the ground up to meet — and often exceed — these requirements. We take a holistic design approach, focusing on seasonal efficiency, low emissions, and smart digital controls. One standout example is our leadership in inverter technology — Hitachi is one of the largest compressor manufacturers globally, and we've pioneered the use of inverter compressors to improve energy performance. In addition, our solutions incorporate intelligent controls and energy recovery systems that deliver immediate energy savings while also reducing long-term environmental impact. It's about enabling our customers to reduce carbon footprints while achieving operational excellence. Q: What is your outlook for the region in terms of sustainable development and expansion plans? A: The Middle East — and by extension, Africa — are critical markets for us. The region's unique climate, cultural dynamics, and rapid pace of urbanization make it a key focus within our global strategy. We're investing heavily in next-gen HVAC technologies designed specifically for regional needs. This includes strengthening our local partnerships, expanding training initiatives, and scaling operations to align with national sustainability goals such as the UAE's Net Zero 2050 initiative. Our commitment is twofold: deliver high-performance, energy-efficient solutions while ensuring that these solutions are environmentally responsible. We believe that sustainable development isn't just about new technologies — it's about creating long-term value for communities, economies, and the planet.

RTA announces major Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall metro station expansion
RTA announces major Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall metro station expansion

Arabian Business

time29 minutes ago

  • Arabian Business

RTA announces major Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall metro station expansion

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to expand the Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station in partnership with Emaar Properties. The move is part of the authority's efforts to meet rising passenger demand during peak periods including New Year's Eve, public holidays, and national events. #RTA, in collaboration with Emaar Properties, announced the expansion of Burj Khalifa-Dubai Mall Metro Station to boost capacity by 65%. In addition to the planned expansion of the station's area from 6,700 to 8,500 square metres, the project included provisions for enhancing… — RTA (@rta_dubai) June 22, 2025 Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa metro station expansion to handle 220,000 daily passengers The expansion will increase the station's area from 6,700 to 8,500 square metres, boosting hourly capacity from 7,250 to 12,320 passengers – a 65 per cent increase, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) said in a statement. Upon completion, the station will accommodate up to 220,000 passengers per day. 'The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is a key hub in the Dubai Metro network, thanks to its strategic location near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and )Dubai Downtown(. It serves as a convenient and efficient gateway for residents and visitors, particularly during large-scale events and holidays, particularly New Year's Eve, Eids, national events and public holidays,' Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority said. 'This expansion project responds to sustained and rising demand for metro services, with projections extending to 2040. Passenger numbers during New Year's Eve exceed 110,000, and the station has recorded an average annual ridership growth of 7.5% over the past five years,' he added. The station has experienced consistent growth since opening in early 2010. Al Tayer revealed passenger numbers rose from 6.13 million in 2013 to 7.254 million in 2016, reaching 7.885 million in 2019 with an average of 43,000 daily boardings and alightings. 'In 2022, the figure climbed to 8.827 million, surpassed 10.202 million in 2023 (56,000 daily average), and exceeded 10.577 million in 2024, with nearly 58,000 daily boarding and alighting,' he revealed. The expansion project includes enhanced entrances and pedestrian bridges to facilitate access, expanded concourse and platform areas, and additional escalators and elevators. Entry and exit gates will be separated to optimise passenger movement, whilst the number of fare gates will increase alongside expanded commercial spaces to boost revenue. The project will integrate with public transport and other mobility modes, and include landscaping enhancements. The architectural design follows the same concept applied to elevated stations on the Red and Green Lines of Dubai Metro. Inspired by the shape of a seashell, the station maintains an interior design philosophy that prioritises safety, security, and ease of movement. The design emphasises clarity and simplicity whilst reducing walking distances where possible. The internal layout preserves visual connectivity, and ground-level entrances are integrated with public transport and alternative mobility options such as bicycles and e-scooters. The station offers direct pedestrian access and integration with the surrounding urban environment. It is designed to be inclusive, considering the needs of People of Determination, senior citizens, residents, and parents with strollers.

Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha unveils executive team as global flagship prepares to open in Qatar
Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha unveils executive team as global flagship prepares to open in Qatar

Zawya

timean hour ago

  • Zawya

Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha unveils executive team as global flagship prepares to open in Qatar

DOHA, QATAR – Swissôtel, a globally recognised symbol of Swiss excellence and purposeful living, proudly introduces the executive leadership team behind its highly anticipated flagship address: Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha and Swissôtel Residences Corniche Park Towers Doha. Opening in Q4 2025 along Doha's iconic Corniche, this landmark destination merges Swiss elegance with the warmth of Qatari hospitality creating an urban retreat where vitality, craftsmanship, and sustainability shape every detail. Leading this development is a cadre of seasoned professionals, each bringing a unique perspective and a shared passion for delivering experiences that are thoughtfully designed and quietly enriching. At the helm is Ian Rydin, Cluster General Manager, a seasoned leader with 30 years of experience across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, having overseen multiple hotel openings in 30 countries. Iain's strong commercial acumen and guest-focused strategies are complemented by his contributions to F&B concept development as a member of the Swissôtel Global Brand Council. 'This is a team of talented individuals who bring both depth of experience delivered with heartfelt care which will serve as the cornerstone of our success. I'm proud to lead a group so aligned in purpose and passion,' he shares. Supporting Ian as his deputy is Mada Lakiss, Director of Operations, who brings more than 15 years of expertise from leading luxury hotels in the Middle Eastern. Mada's background will ensure precision across all the operation departments. Recognised for her empathetic leadership and meticulous standards, Mada ensures that every guest interaction is delivered with intention and clarity. R Chandrasekhar, Director of Finance, draws on two decades of financial leadership across India, Africa and the Middle East to build a future-ready fiscal framework that empowers performance. Ibrahim El Tawil, Director of Sales & Marketing, offers nearly two decades of regional and international experience in revenue generation and brand building. His ability to align teams, elevate brand presence and deliver measurable results will shape both pre-opening momentum and long-term strategy. Bakul Mandal, Director of Revenue Management, is a sharp strategist with more than 20 years of experience in driving performance and dynamic pricing. Her market knowledge and instinct for data-led insights ensure Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha remains agile and precisely positioned to meet evolving market trends and guest expectations. Hassan Hassan, Director of Talent & Culture, contributes two decades of talent management experience, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture where every colleague feels valued. Ideally situated in West Bay, Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha and Swissôtel Residences Corniche Park Towers Doha will soon welcome guests to a haven of Swiss-inspired design and sweeping Corniche vistas. The property will feature 223 guest rooms and suites, 119 serviced apartments, and 121 branded residences, complemented by a selection of signature dining concepts and versatile, light-filled event spaces. Conveniently located just minutes from Hamad International Airport and Doha's premier cultural attractions, Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha invites travellers to anticipate a new standard of refined hospitality. About Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha is the global flagship of Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, located along the Corniche in the heart of West Bay. With 342 guest rooms, suites, and serviced apartments, and 121 branded residences, the property offers uninterrupted sea views, locally inspired dining, and experiences built around balance, craft, and vitality. Where Swiss precision meets Qatari generosity. About Swissôtel One of the best-known Swiss brands in the world, Swissôtel offers contemporary hotels infused with the freshness and vitality of alpine energy, rooted in the tradition of Swiss hospitality. Respected for its intelligent design, quality craftsmanship and mindful approach to sustainability, Swissôtel gives its guests peace of mind to explore the world, discover life's true rewards and embrace opportunities to 'live it well'. The Swissôtel brand was founded in 1980 and today numbers more than 40 hotels globally across 20+ countries, including flagship properties such as Swissôtel The Bosphorus in Istanbul, Swissôtel The Stamford in Singapore, Swissôtel Chicago and Swissôtel Jakarta Pik Avenue. Swissôtel is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL Accor, a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. | | Press Contact For media inquiries, please contact: MUSE PR Manager, Abuzar Iqbal

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store