The Bureau International des Expositions flag was officially passed from Expo 2025 Osaka to Expo 2030 Riyadh during a grand closing ceremony in Japan on October 13, 2025. This handover signals the end of the successful Osaka event and sets the stage for Saudi Arabia to host the next world expo, drawing global attention to themes of innovation and future planning.
Ceremony Highlights and Key Attendees
The closing event took place at the Expo site in Osaka, where the flag was lowered and given to Ibrahim Al Sultan, Saudi Minister of State and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. High profile guests included Crown Prince Akishino, who gave remarks as Honorary President of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
A special video called A Journey of Foresight played after the handover, offering a preview of what visitors can expect in Riyadh. The ceremony featured cultural elements like the Japanese national anthem sung by the Scout Association of Japan and the Osaka Sumiyoshi Boys and Girls Choir. Other notable figures present were Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Expo Secretary General Hiroyuki Ishige, Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, and Bureau International des Expositions General Assembly President Alain Berger.
Chairperson of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Masakazu Tokura, opened with words of thanks, noting how participation from many countries made the expo a big success. This moment not only closed one chapter but also built excitement for the next.
Lead Up Events Build Momentum
Before the official handover, a cultural showcase named From Osaka to Riyadh drew about 15,000 people to the Expo Arena Matsuri in Osaka. This event mixed Saudi and Japanese performers with music, lights, lasers, and holograms to celebrate the partnership between the two nations.
The showcase happened just days before the closing, acting as a bridge between the expos. It highlighted shared goals of collaboration and global engagement, setting a positive tone for the transition. Such pre events help keep public interest high and show how world expos connect cultures.
Posts on social media platforms buzzed with excitement about the handover, with users sharing clips of the performances and praising the smooth shift to Riyadh. This online chatter reflects growing global curiosity about what Saudi Arabia will bring to the table in 2030.
Details on Expo 2030 Riyadh
Expo 2030 Riyadh will run from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, under the theme The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow. Saudi Arabia won the hosting rights in 2023 with support from 130 countries, beating bids from Italy and South Korea.
The event expects over 42 million visits from 197 countries and 29 organizations. It will cover 6 million square meters, divided into five thematic zones focused on sustainable and inclusive solutions for the future.
- Innovation Hub: A zone for tech breakthroughs and startup ideas.
- Cultural Exchange Area: Spaces for art, music, and traditions from around the world.
- Sustainability Pavilion: Exhibits on green energy and environmental protection.
- Future Cities Section: Models of smart urban planning.
After the expo ends, the site will turn into a permanent global village, creating a lasting impact for Riyadh and beyond. This legacy plan aims to boost tourism and economic growth in the region long term.
How This Fits into Broader Trends
World expos have a history of sparking progress, like the 2020 Dubai Expo which focused on connecting minds and creating the future. The Osaka event, held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, attracted millions and showcased advancements in areas like robotics and health tech.
Riyadh’s expo aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a national strategy to diversify the economy and promote innovation. Recent events, such as the Saudi Japan Expo Investment Forum in September 2025, highlighted new business chances tied to the expo. These forums drew investors and discussed partnerships in tech and infrastructure.
Experts say this handover comes at a time when global events are rebounding after pandemic slowdowns. Attendance figures for Osaka beat expectations, signaling strong interest in international gatherings that tackle big issues like climate change and digital transformation.
| Key Expo Milestones | Date | Host City | Theme | Expected Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expo 2020 | 2021-2022 | Dubai | Connecting Minds, Creating the Future | 24 million |
| Expo 2025 | April-October 2025 | Osaka | Designing Future Society for Our Lives | Over 28 million |
| Expo 2030 | October 2030-March 2031 | Riyadh | The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow | Over 42 million |
This table shows how expos are growing in scale and ambition, with Riyadh set to host the largest yet.
What It Means for the Future
The flag handover is more than a symbol; it represents a commitment to global cooperation. For Saudi Arabia, hosting Expo 2030 will spotlight its rapid development and role on the world stage. Visitors can look forward to interactive exhibits that blend tradition with cutting edge tech.
As planning ramps up, organizers promise a focus on accessibility, with features like virtual tours for those who cannot attend in person. This approach could set new standards for inclusivity in major events.
The event ties into ongoing global talks on sustainability, much like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which also aim for 2030 milestones. By bringing nations together, Riyadh’s expo could drive real world solutions to pressing challenges.
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