Riyadh Expo 2030: The 5 Biggest Shifts Coming to the Saudi Job Market

Riyadh isn’t just getting ready for Expo, it’s getting ready to reshape its workforce.

Saudi Arabia will welcome over 40 million visitors, and more than 1 billion virtual exchanges will take place in Saudi Arabia between October 1, 2030, and March 31, 2031, with 195 participating countries. Beyond the displays and entertainment, however, Expo 2030 is subtly but significantly altering how businesses in the Kingdom create, lead, and grow their workforces.

Expo 2030 isn’t just an event; it's a global platform where Saudi Arabia will demonstrate its ambition, innovation, and readiness for the future. With complex infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies, and world-class experiences, the Expo will require extensive coordination across multiple industries, from event planning and logistics to hospitality and digital services. As a result, workforce planning must evolve to keep pace, prioritizing speed, flexibility, and cross-functional expertise. Businesses must think beyond traditional employment models and adapt to an environment defined by time-sensitive projects, diverse talent demands, and rigorous operational standards.

In this blog, we unpack the top 5 workforce trends shaping Expo 2030 and how your business can respond with speed, strategy, and support from TASC KSA.

Why Expo 2030 Requires a Workforce Reset

The scale and complexity of Expo 2030 demand a new way of thinking about work:

• Rapid mobilization of staff through hospitality, security, logistics, tech, and more
• Shift toward freelance, contract, and project-based models
• Digital tools and platforms for workforce management and compliance
• Strong demand for multilingual, cross-border, and local talent
• Growing inclusion of Saudi youth and women under Vision 2030 mandates

Traditional hiring models won’t cut it. Businesses must be flexible, tech-enabled, and ready to scale fast.

5 Workforce Trends Defining Expo 2030

1. Project-Based Hiring Is the New Standard

With Expo 2030 running for six months and requiring large-scale staffing, businesses are rethinking their long-term hiring strategies. From event logistics to security and facilities management, many roles will need to be staffed on a short-term, project basis. This model reduces overhead and allows for quick mobilisation.

TASC KSA enables companies to scale project-based teams fast, handling everything from contracts and onboarding to local compliance and payroll, ensuring your team is Expo-ready from day one.

2. Freelance Talent Drives Agility

With over 2.25 million freelancers registered in Saudi Arabia, the Expo presents an opportunity to leverage the gig economy for roles in design, content creation, guest engagement, and more. Freelancers offer the flexibility and speed companies need without lengthy recruitment cycles.

3. International Talent Powers Specialised Functions

Expo 2030’s global scope requires specialists in fields like sustainability, architecture, technology, and large-scale event execution. Thanks to streamlined visa and licensing pathways, companies can now access international talent more efficiently than ever.

TASC KSA handles end-to-end onboarding, visa processing, and international compliance so you can access top global talent without operational friction.

4. Digital Workforce Management Becomes Essential

Managing rotating teams across venues, shifts, and sectors requires more than spreadsheets. Companies will need smart digital infrastructure for scheduling, payroll, onboarding, and performance tracking.

TASC’s proprietary Business complaince & workforce managment platform, TASC360, provides end-to-end visibility and control, helping HR and ops leaders manage Expo staffing efficiently and stay compliant.

5. Outcome-Based Workforce Models Are on the Rise

Expo 2030’s complex timelines and strict KPIs are pushing companies to shift from headcount-based hiring to outcome-based workforce models. Instead of hiring roles, organizations are increasingly outsourcing for results, whether it’s maintaining service levels, delivering a project phase, or managing visitor experience outcomes.

This model increases accountability and allows companies to scale quickly without expanding permanent staff.

TASC delivers outcome-based workforce solutions, handling staffing, and HR operations, so you get measurable results, not just manpower.

The Expo Advantage: Why Businesses Should Act Now

Expo 2030 is more than a one-time opportunity; it’s a launchpad for future-ready workforce strategies. Businesses that adapt now can secure first access to top talent, avoid last-minute hiring bottlenecks, and build reputational equity by contributing to national workforce goals.

The Real Impact of Expo? A Workforce Built for the Next Economy

• Establish operational efficiency through scalable staffing
• Build employer branding with a presence in high-profile projects
• Get access to the National big projects

With TASC KSA as your workforce partner, you gain an edge in a competitive landscape

Build Your Expo 2030 Workforce with TASC KSA

Whether you're building a country pavilion, launching a hospitality experience, or managing large-scale logistics, your Expo success will depend on the people behind it.

With 18 years of experience and clients across government, events, retail, and tech, TASC KSA helps businesses in:

• Hire Saudi and global talent legally and quickly
• Deploy contract and permenant teams with confidence
• Stay 100% compliant with MHRSD, GOSI, and Nitaqat regulations

Let’s get your workforce Expo-ready.
Speak with our team today to build a compliant, agile, and future-focused hiring strategy designed specifically for the demands of Expo 2030 Riyadh.