OSAKA: Visitors to the Expo Arena Matsuri got a glimpse of the next World Expo, thanks to the “From Osaka to Riyadh” show.
The event in Osaka drew 15,000 attendees and brought together leading Saudi and Japanese performers in a dynamic blend of music and culture, setting the stage for what can be expected at Expo 2030 Riyadh.
High-energy sets, reimagined cultural expressions and striking light, laser and hologram effects transformed the stage into a powerful demonstration of the spirit of collaboration between both nations.
A final highlight ahead of the closing ceremony on Oct. 13 symbolized the transition to Riyadh as the next World Expo host city and set the stage for the handover of the Bureau International des Expositions flag, which formally transfers host city responsibilities.
Saudi Arabia was elected by BIE member states in 2023 to host World Expo 2030, which will take the theme “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.”
Running from Oct. 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, the event is expected to welcome more than 42 million visitors from 197 countries. It will span 6 million sq. meters with five zones exploring forward-looking solutions for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will serve as a global platform for innovation and collaboration. Afterwards, the site will become a permanent global village.
The Saudi Pavilion participating in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai on Friday hosted a robot developed by temi Robots Company. (SPA)
Virtual live tour for children at Saudi pavilion
Meanwhile, the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai on Friday hosted a robot developed by the Temi robot company through a collaboration between King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Tokotoko Earth Company and iPresence Company.
It enabled Japanese families with children with disabilities to experience the pavilion’s events through a live virtual tour of its halls and exhibition rooms.
Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Binzagr, who is also general commissioner of the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025, said the collaboration with KAUST was “more than just a technological event.”
He said: “It demonstrates how human empathy and innovation can work hand in hand. They must come together to create an inclusive environment and provide valuable opportunities for everyone,” he said.
