France becomes first country to sign Expo 2030 Riyadh participation deal

France has become the first country to sign a Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh, formalizing its involvement in the six-month event as Saudi Arabia continues preparations for the global gathering.

The agreement was signed in Paris by Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, and Jacques Maire, chairman of the Compagnie Française des Expositions (COFREX). It establishes the framework for France’s participation, including the location and size of its pavilion, its theme and the broad scope of its visitor and business activities.

The signing took place during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to France and was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

France’s participation marks a further step in preparations for Expo 2030 Riyadh, which is expected to attract 42 million visits and bring together more than 200 official participants. More than 135 countries had confirmed their participation by June, according to the BIE.

In a statement, Al-Marri said France becoming the first country to sign its Participation Contract was an important milestone for the event and reflected growing momentum behind international participation.

France’s pavilion will be located in the Expo’s Planet district and will carry the theme “Under One Sky.” Built around the four elements of sky, earth, fire and water, the pavilion will showcase French creativity, innovation and business capabilities, with a focus on environmental protection and the ecological transition.

Maire said Expo 2030 Riyadh would provide France with a platform to showcase its creativity, innovation and expertise to an international audience.

The agreement follows a separate deal between Saudi Arabia and the BIE establishing the legal framework for international participation. The Site Agreement sets out the conditions for official participants and individual Participation Contracts.

Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow.” The 6-million-square-meter site will include national pavilions and innovation showcases before being transformed into a permanent Global Village focused on tourism, business and cultural exchange.