RIYADH: Mauritania announced on Tuesday its support for Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh.
The Mauritanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad said in a statement that it “fully supports” the Saudi bid, citing the close ties between the two nations and the Gulf country’s role in the Arab and Islamic world.
The west African country said it would also encourage other countries to back the bid, praising Saudi Arabia’s efforts to boost Arab prominence globally.
In a similar fashion, Morocco announced on Sunday it too will support the Kingdom’s submission to host one of the most prestigious international expositions.
“By royal instruction, Morocco announces its support for Saudi Arabia’s candidacy file to host Expo 2030 in the city of Riyadh,” the country’s foreign ministry said on Twitter.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced in October that Riyadh had formally requested to host the Expo in 2030, the year that would see the culmination of a multi-year reform program called Saudi Vision aimed at remaking the Kingdom for the future.
The theme proposed by the Kingdom is “The era of change: Leading the planet to a foresighted tomorrow.”
The support from the two African nations follows backing from a number of countries and organizations, including the UAE, Malaysia, Norway, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The UAE is currently hosting the grand exhibition with Expo 2020 Dubai.
Mauritania supports Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh
https://arab.news/gw39s
Mauritania supports Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030 in Riyadh
Kingdom goes green to celebrate Founding Day
- Parks, streets, public spaces shine with national pride, while cultural programs, family activities bring communities together
RIYADH: Residents of Riyadh took part in an initiative to install First Saudi State flags to mark Founding Day on Feb. 22, organized by the Riyadh municipality.
The initiative, reflecting national pride and drawing community participation, enhanced the festive presence across neighborhoods, parks, streets, and public spaces.
The municipality also organized events across the city and governorates, illuminating main roads and public squares with more than 5,000 decorative lights, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Jeddah municipality launched a multi-day program to mark Founding Day, decorating main roads, squares, and the corniche.
A key event took place at Prince Majid Park on Sunday, featuring falconry, equestrian shows, and traditional handicrafts. Family activities included henna painting and creative workshops for children.
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Dhahran marked Founding Day with a multi-night Ramadan program from Feb. 20–22, offering 30 heritage-focused activities in a festive, family-friendly setting.
Visitors enjoyed cultural events, films, exhibitions, and hands-on workshops. Riyadh resident Tiger Lee, visiting Dhahran for the first time, said he came to experience the celebrations and learn more about the Kingdom’s history.
Entry was free, with food outlets, a traditional souq, henna and Sadu weaving sessions, museum and library storytelling, and plaza exhibitions adding to the experience.
Meanwhile, traditional markets in the Baha region turned into lively cultural hubs, showcasing local heritage and national pride, the SPA stated.
Shops were decorated with flags and traditional handicrafts such as palm frond products and pottery, while visitors and locals wore traditional attire. The markets supported local artisans, boosted economic activity, and enhanced the region’s touristic appeal.
Government buildings and private facilities were also illuminated in green, marking 299 years of Saudi history since 1727.
The King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah was illuminated in green to mark the national occasion, reflecting pride, unity, and the Kingdom’s stability and progress.
The Tabuk municipality organized 23 cultural and heritage events across the region’s cities and governorates, in partnership with government and private entities, to highlight the day’s historical significance and strengthen national identity. Parks and public facilities were prepared to host residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, the Jazan municipality decorated the region with more than 1,500 banners and themed displays, transforming streets, parks, and public squares.
In coordination with government departments, the celebrations featured national performances, folk arts, and heritage showcases unique to Jazan.
