Expo 2030 Riyadh Awards Major Infrastructure Contract to Nesma & Partners

Key Infrastructure Contract Awarded for Expo 2030 Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Expo 2030 Riyadh has officially awarded its main utilities and civil works package to Nesma & Partners, a significant step that will accelerate construction activities for the upcoming global event. The contract, awarded ahead of schedule on December 31, 2025, marks a transition from early works to large-scale construction on the expansive site.

The Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is overseeing the development of the Expo site. This milestone underscores the project's increasing momentum as it prepares to host one of the most ambitious World Expos ever conceived.

Scope of Work and Project Acceleration

The awarded package encompasses crucial infrastructure development, including the construction of roads within the Expo site and the installation of essential utility networks. This comprehensive scope of work involves approximately 50 kilometers of infrastructure networks, which will integrate vital systems such as:

• Water and sewage systems
• EV charging stations
• Electrical and communication networks

These works are fundamental to preparing the site for subsequent construction phases and supporting the operational requirements of the event. Talal Al-Marri, CEO of Expo 2030 Riyadh, stated that this milestone 'marks an important step in accelerating construction activities' and is crucial for 'creating the conditions for safe, coordinated, and high-quality delivery across all future phases of development, while ensuring a lasting legacy well beyond 2030.'

Samer Abdul Samad, President & Chief Executive Officer of Nesma & Partners, expressed the company's pride in being entrusted with delivering this phase of infrastructure, highlighting the project's emphasis on 'precision, integration, and responsibility.'

Vision and Impact of Expo 2030 Riyadh

Scheduled to run from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, Expo 2030 Riyadh will be held under the theme 'Foresight for Tomorrow' or 'Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.' The event is anticipated to attract over 42 million visits and host 197 nations and 29 organizations on its 6 million square meter site in the Al Narjis District, North Riyadh.

The development of Expo 2030 Riyadh is projected to have a significant economic impact, contributing approximately $64 billion to Saudi Arabia's GDP during its construction phases and generating around 171,000 direct and indirect jobs. The project emphasizes sustainability, with plans for smart infrastructure powered by AI and sustainable energy systems, climate-responsive architecture, and a commitment to achieving zero carbon emissions.

Earlier in July 2025, Bechtel Corporation was appointed as the project management consultant (PMC) for the delivery of the Expo 2030 Riyadh masterplan construction works, further solidifying the project's leadership and execution strategy.