Saudi Arabia to introduce special visa for world expo event

RIYADH – The authorities in Saudi Arabia announced that the country is gearing up to introduce a specialized visa for World Expo 2030.

The announcement was made by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and is aimed at ensuring smooth entry for people from air travel to the exhibition grounds.

Authorities have announced that Saudi Arabia, surpassing South Korea and Italy, has successfully secured the hosting rights for the World Expo.

The visa seems to be on the same pattern as the Hayya Card introduced by Qatar recently but the complete details in this regard are awaited. By 2030, Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air would also be operational and would be used to transport the spectators.

World Expos, akin to the magnitude of the Olympic games, occur every five years and have a profound impact on host cities, catalyzing advancements across construction, investment, real estate, and tourism sectors.

Following Dubai’s successful Expo 2021, Saudi Arabia’s upcoming exhibition marks the second of its kind in the region. With 197 countries slated to participate, Saudi Arabia views the Riyadh Expo 2030 as a prime opportunity to showcase its ongoing modernization endeavors. The event expects to draw 40 million visitors, both domestic and international, throughout its half-year duration.

In addition to hosting the World Expo, Saudi Arabia is also preparing for the Asian Winter Games in 2029, set in Troy, a monumental “giga-project” nestled amidst the kingdom’s mountainous terrain. This unique venture will offer an unparalleled man-made ski experience in a region known for scorching temperatures.

In a remarkable turn of events, Saudi Arabia is making headlines not just for its groundbreaking move to introduce specialized visas for World Expo 2030 but also for a positive shift in its global standing in the Henley Passport Index 2024. Despite its traditionally less strong passport, Saudi Arabia has climbed to the 61st spot in the latest rankings.

The Kingdom’s passport now provides its citizens with access to 89 visa-free destinations, showcasing an improvement in global mobility. This upward trajectory comes amidst the nation’s commitment to various reforms under the Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to diversify and strengthen the economy.

Saudi Arabia, a Middle Eastern nation, is known for its rich cultural heritage and Islamic landmarks. With a population exceeding 34 million, key destinations include the capital Riyadh, the vibrant coastal city Jeddah, and the historic city of Mecca, home to the Islamic holy site Kaaba.