Expo 2030 Riyadh: Construction Ramps Up in 2026

Organizers of Expo 2030 Riyadh say large-scale construction and workforce mobilization are ramping up across the Saudi capital to keep the project on track ahead of its opening. The exhibition is scheduled to run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031 on a six-million-square-metre site in Riyadh, developed and operated by Expo 2030 Riyadh Company.

Current information shows that site preparation and early works are already underway, with main building construction set to begin in 2026. Reported milestones for that year include the groundbreaking of country pavilions in the second quarter of 2026, followed by work on the main buildings — including the Saudi Pavilion and the iconic pavilions — starting in the third quarter of 2026.

The scale of the effort is reflected in the workforce plans. Around 30,000 workers are expected on site during 2026, with peak mobilization estimated at more than 120,000 workers as construction intensifies. On the ground, reported progress in 2026 includes more than 1.5 million square metres already leveled and over 500 machines operating across the site.

Why it matters

For residents in Riyadh, the project signals years of construction activity, job opportunities, and infrastructure development linked to one of the largest events the Kingdom will host. The Expo forms part of the broader push to expand the capital's global profile and long-term city development.

As construction advances, Saudi Living will continue to follow key milestones as they are announced.

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