How Expo 2030 Will Transform Saudi Arabia’s Economy

On 1 October 2030, Riyadh will welcome the world as it hosts Expo 2030, a landmark event accelerating Saudi Arabia’s national transformation. More than a global exhibition, this six-month showcase will drive momentum across infrastructure, investment, tourism, and employment, advancing Vision 2030 goals.

Under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow”, Expo 2030 will highlight innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development. Set on a 6 million m² site near King Khalid International Airport, it’s designed as a long-term economic catalyst, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s global economic and cultural status.

With over 200 nations and 40+ million visitors expected, Expo 2030 is both a platform for international collaboration and a driver of structural reform and private sector growth. For businesses aiming to expand, partner, or hire in the Kingdom, the opportunity starts now.

In this blog, we explore the economic impact of Expo 2030 and why strategic staffing and workforce planning will be critical to realizing its full potential.

Driving GDP Growth and Long-Term Investment

According to official projections:

• The event is expected to contribute approximately SAR 21 billion to Saudi GDP during its operational phase.
• Over the longer term, Expo-related activity could deliver up to SAR 262 billion in cumulative GDP uplift.
• The total projected economic impact stands at around SAR 355 billion.

This economic value will be driven by a wider ecosystem spanning infrastructure, foreign investment, tourism, and service industries.

For businesses, Expo 2030 is more than a six-month event—it’s a multi-year pipeline of opportunity. As the Kingdom mobilizes capital and resources, companies across construction, logistics, hospitality, tech, and professional services will see rising demand at every stage of development.

Whether you’re entering the Saudi market, expanding your footprint, or bidding on Expo-linked contracts, now is the time to prepare. Staying aligned with national priorities, understanding regulatory frameworks, and partnering with experienced local providers will be essential for long-term success.

Infrastructure Expansion and Urban Transformation
Expo 2030 is fast-tracking Riyadh’s transformation through major infrastructure and real estate projects: with A SAR 878 million villa project near the Expo site, delivering 200 luxury units and over 100,000 new hotel rooms are in preparation to host global visitors

• Riyadh Metro: A SAR 94 billion, six-line network spanning 176 km and 85 stations, designed to move over 3 million passengers daily crucial for Expo operations and long-term mobility.
• New Murabba: A 19 km² mixed-use district anchored by The Mukaab, expected to add SAR 180 billion to non-oil GDP and create 334,000 jobs.
• King Salman International Airport Expansion: Aiming to reach 120 million annual passengers by 2030, supporting Expo traffic and future global connectivity.
• King Salman Park & Sports Boulevard: Major urban green spaces focused on livability and entertainment, spanning 16 km² and 135 km respectively.

These projects will leave a lasting urban legacy, boosting real estate, mobility, tourism, and Riyadh’s global positioning.

Employment and Skills Development
Expo 2030 is expected to generate up to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs, as confirmed by Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb at the Global Labour Market Conference.

Key hiring areas include:

• Construction, event operations, and logistics: High-volume recruitment will be needed during build-out and prep phases.
• Visitor engagement: Interpreters, guides, hospitality staff, and multilingual ambassadors will play a vital role during the six-month event.
• Specialist and emerging roles: As a tech and sustainability showcase, Expo 2030 will drive demand for talent in AI, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and sustainability strategy, both during and beyond the event.

This diverse workforce needs, from frontline service to high-tech expertise, highlights the urgency of proactive planning, training, and talent sourcing. TASC Outsourcing provides the experience and support businesses need to confidently build and manage their Expo 2030 workforce.

Boosting Tourism and Services

With up to 41 million physical visitors and over 1 billion virtual engagements expected, Expo 2030 will significantly elevate Saudi Arabia’s global profile.

The hospitality and F&B sectors are set for strong returns, driven by:

• A projected 18% CAGR in leisure tourism through 2030.
• Expanding hotel capacity, visitor services, and entertainment infrastructure.

This surge will leave a lasting impact on domestic tourism, job creation, and local entrepreneurship.

Enabling Foreign Investment and Private Sector Growth

Expo 2030 will unlock major foreign investment and private sector opportunities across high-impact industries, including:

• Technology
• Healthcare & pharmaceuticals
• Banking & financial services
• Transport, logistics & aviation
• Construction & real estate

Investment Highlights:

• SAR 355 billion: Total projected economic impact spanning infrastructure, FDI, tourism, banking, and real estate.
• 11% CAGR in corporate lending.
• SAR 3.1 trillion: Annual FDI target by 2030, with Expo playing a pivotal role.

These sectors will benefit from Expo-driven infrastructure, international exposure, and business-friendly reforms aimed at attracting global partnerships.

For companies looking to engage, Expo 2030 offers a rare chance to:

• Bid on construction, hospitality, and logistics contracts.
• Invest in fast-growing sectors aligned with Vision 2030.
• Enter strategic joint ventures with local firms or government-led initiatives.

With local insight and the right partners, Early positioning will be the key to capturing these opportunities.

The Role of Workforce Providers in Expo Success

Events like Expo 2030 demand complex, scalable staffing models. Workforce providers are essential in ensuring:

• Efficient sourcing, screening, and onboarding of talent
• Proper handling of visa, payroll, and compliance requirements
• Agile systems that respond to real-time demand and surges

For organizers, vendors, and national exhibitors, the right workforce partner is critical.

Expo 2030 Riyadh is more than a cultural showcase; it is a long-term economic accelerator that will help Saudi Arabia redefine its role on the global stage. From infrastructure investment to tourism, employment, and FDI, the economic benefits of this mega-event will be both immediate and enduring.

Leave an impact at Riyadh Expo 2030 with Tasc as your local partner in Saudi Arabia.

With the unlimited services Tasc offers, you will be able to get your business ready for this big event. Partner with TASC Outsourcing to access top talent, stay fully compliant, and scale your teams confidently across Saudi Arabia’s most dynamic sectors.