Riyadh Expo 2030 hosts reception in Osaka to boost international cooperation

The event is part of a broader effort to foster early engagement and collaboration with participants, with similar initiatives planned in the lead-up to Expo 2030. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 July 2025
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Riyadh Expo 2030 hosts reception in Osaka to boost international cooperation

OSAKA: Riyadh Expo 2030, in collaboration with the Kingdom’s Embassy in Japan, hosted a reception in Osaka on Thursday to highlight Saudi Arabia’s readiness and promise to deliver an exceptional World Expo.

There were more than 200 local and international guests at the event, including ambassadors and commissioners-general participating in Expo 2025 Osaka.

The evening featured discussions on the theme and three subthemes of Riyadh Expo 2030: “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow;” and “Innovative Technologies,” “Sustainable Solutions,” and “Thriving Communities.”

Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Japan and commissioner-general of the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, opened the event.

In his speech, Binzagr praised the organizers of Expo 2025 Osaka and emphasized the crucial role of diplomatic cooperation in supporting such global events.

“It has been an honor to serve as commissioner-general of the Kingdom’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, where I’ve witnessed firsthand the vital role expos play in strengthening international ties and collaboration.

“Tonight’s event provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and engage in meaningful dialogue with participants from across the globe.”

Abdulaziz Al-Ghannam, commissioner-general of Riyadh Expo 2030, said: “Our journey to host the expo in Riyadh has already begun, and we treat this as a national priority.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — its leadership and people — are fully prepared to welcome the world.

“From the outset, we’ve committed to making Riyadh Expo 2030 a global platform that embraces diverse ideas and perspectives.”

Thamer Al-Saadoun, executive vice president of Riyadh Expo 2030, underscored the importance of the expo’s themes.

“The theme of Riyadh Expo 2030, ‘The Era of Change,’ invites the world to achieve real progress through visionary thinking, innovation, and collaboration.

“It is built upon the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Saudi Vision 2030, with subthemes that reflect the Kingdom’s ongoing transformation and its ambition to create lasting positive global impact,” Al-Saadoun said.

The event is part of a broader effort to foster early engagement and collaboration with participants, with similar initiatives planned in the lead-up to Expo 2030.

Riyadh Expo 2030 will take place from Oct. 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, spanning an area of 6 million sq. meters, making it one of the largest expos in history.


Limited fire at Ras Tanura refinery brought under control following debris from intercepted drones: Saudi ministry

Updated 5 min 11 sec ago
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Limited fire at Ras Tanura refinery brought under control following debris from intercepted drones: Saudi ministry

  • No Injuries or impact on supplies reported after limited fire at the Ras Tanura refinery, official source at Ministry of Energy says

RIYADH: An official source at the Saudi Ministry of Energy stated that at 7:04 am on Monday, the Ras Tanura oil refinery sustained limited damage as a result of debris from the interception of two drones in its vicinity. 

The incident resulted in a limited fire, which was immediately contained by emergency response teams. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Some operational units at the refinery were shut down as a precautionary measure, without any impact on the supply of petroleum products to local markets. 

Meanwhile, Saudi Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Turki al-Maliki also confirmed that two drones attempting to target the Ras Tanura refinery were intercepted successfully.

Al-Maliki told to Al Arabiya News Channel that no civilian casualties were reported as a result of the interception, noting that the small fire that broke out inside the refinery due to falling debris was quickly brought under control.