Partnership will support visitor experience, sustainable tourism, event planning and long-term legacy as Riyadh prepares to welcome an anticipated 42 million visits.
Expo 2030 Riyadh and Atout France, the national tourism development agency of France, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation and technical knowledge exchange ahead of the World Expo.
Signed in Paris on August 26, the agreement establishes a framework for collaboration covering Expo planning and delivery, visitor experience, sustainable tourism and long-term legacy development. The partnership is intended to draw on the respective expertise of the two organisations as Riyadh prepares to welcome visitors from around the world in 2030.
The agreement was signed by Talal Al-Marri, Chief Executive Officer of Expo 2030 Riyadh, and Adam Oubuih, Chief Executive Officer of Atout France.
Focus on visitor experience and operations
Under the MoU, the two organisations will cooperate across key areas of Expo planning and delivery, with Atout France contributing expertise in tourism development, destination promotion and the management of major international events.
The collaboration will include work on visitor journeys, crowd management, security and accessibility, with the aim of supporting efficient operations and creating a seamless experience for visitors attending the six-month event.
The partnership will also bring together public- and private-sector stakeholders around the Expo, with a particular focus on sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
Al-Marri said Atout France’s experience in tourism development and visitor experience would provide valuable expertise as Riyadh prepares for the event, while also supporting knowledge exchange on sustainable tourism and the development of a lasting destination beyond the Expo itself.
Oubuih said Atout France would contribute its tourism expertise and institutional network, including experience in destination development and major international events, to support Expo 2030 Riyadh’s preparations and strengthen cooperation between the French and Saudi tourism sectors.
Strengthening Saudi-French tourism ties
Beyond operational planning, the MoU is expected to create opportunities for cultural cooperation and innovation showcases, further strengthening ties between the Saudi and French tourism ecosystems.
The partnership combines Expo 2030 Riyadh’s international platform with Atout France’s experience in destination development and tourism. Its emphasis on legacy planning reflects the broader objective of ensuring that the benefits of the Expo extend beyond the event’s six-month duration.
Expo 2030 Riyadh preparations gather pace
Expo 2030 Riyadh will take place from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, under the theme “Foresight for Tomorrow.” The event will focus on innovation, sustainability and international cooperation, with exhibitions, performances and daily programmes planned throughout its six-month run.
More than 200 official participants are expected to take part, while organisers anticipate approximately 42 million visits, positioning the event among the largest and most internationally representative World Expos.
The latest agreement with Atout France adds to preparations for an event that Saudi Arabia expects to serve not only as a global showcase but also as a catalyst for tourism, cultural exchange and longer-term destination development in Riyadh.
Source: Expo 2030 Riyadh and Atout France official announcements.
