Saudi Arabia’s capital has officially been confirmed as the host of Expo 2030 Riyadh, following the final approval of its registration dossier by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) during the organisation’s General Assembly in Paris.

The approval marks the last formal step in the selection process, solidifying Riyadh’s status as the next World Expo host.

As part of the proceedings, the World Expo flag was ceremonially handed over to the kingdom’s delegation by the BIE.

The Saudi delegation was led by Engineer Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Minister of State and Acting CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), alongside Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to France, and senior officials.

“The approval of the registration dossier in record time highlights the kingdom’s leadership on the global stage and underscores the world’s confidence in Saudi Arabia’s vision and capabilities,” Al-Sultan said, adding that it also reflects “the high level of professionalism” shown by the teams involved in its preparation.

Master plan for Expo 2030 Riyadh

The registration dossier acts as a master plan for the expo, outlining Saudi Arabia’s commitment to delivering a global platform for innovation, international cooperation, and sustainable development. Riyadh is the first expo host to complete and submit its dossier in nearly half the time typically required, according to the RCRC.

The approval now paves the way for the next phase of preparations, including the formal invitation of international participants through diplomatic channels.

Expo 2030 Riyadh will take place from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, on a sprawling six million- square-metre site, designed to accommodate over 40 million visits.

Organisers anticipate participation from more than 195 nations, supported by cutting-edge infrastructure, hospitality, and transportation.

The site is being developed to deliver an immersive and seamless visitor experience, in line with the broader ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.

Billed as one of the largest and most ambitious expos to date, Expo 2030 Riyadh aims to foster global dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange, while leaving a lasting legacy that resonates far beyond the kingdom’s borders.

The UAE has evacuated a number of its nationals and residents from Iran, according to the UAE’s state news agency, WAM, as regional tensions continue to rise.

The evacuations were carried out in coordination with Iranian authorities, reflecting what WAM described as the UAE’s “unwavering commitment to the safety of its nationals and residents” and its ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.

The UAE has successfully executed evacuation operations, which were coordinated and facilitated by the Iranian side, to ensure their safe return home, the report stated.

The announcement comes amid heightened instability in the region following a recent escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran, which has prompted widespread airspace closures and flight suspensions across the Middle East.

UAE focused on fostering peace and stability

In addition to the evacuation, the UAE has intensified diplomatic engagement with regional and international partners to help de-escalate tensions.

The UAE is conducting “intensive calls and diplomatic consultations” rooted in its belief in diplomacy and dialogue as the only sustainable path toward peace.

The UAE’s efforts, the report noted, are part of its broader foreign policy vision of “fostering stability, justice, and prosperity for the peoples of the region”.

Airlines continued to avoid large parts of the Middle East on Sunday after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, with traffic already skirting airspace in the region due to recent missile exchanges.

“Following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, commercial traffic in the region is operating as it has since new airspace restrictions were put into place last week,” FlightRadar24 said on social media platform X.

Airlines choose other routes

Its website showed airlines were not flying in the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria and Israel. They have chosen other routings such as north via the Caspian Sea or south via Egypt and Saudi Arabia, even if it results in higher fuel and crew costs and longer flight times.

Missile and drone barrages in an expanding number of conflict zones globally represent a high risk to airline traffic.

Since Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 13, carriers have suspended flights to destinations in the affected countries, though there have been some evacuation flights from neighbouring nations and some bringing stranded Israelis home.

Israel’s two largest carriers, El Al Israel Airlines and Arkia, said on Sunday they were suspending rescue flights that allowed people to return to Israel until further notice.

El Al said it would also extend its cancellation of scheduled flights through June 27.

Israel’s airports authority said the country’s airspace was closed for all flights, but land crossings with Egypt and Jordan remained open.

Countries evacuate citizens from Iran

Japan’s foreign ministry said on Sunday it had evacuated 21 people, including 16 Japanese nationals, from Iran overland to Azerbaijan. It said it was the second such evacuation since Thursday and that it would conduct further evacuations if necessary.

New Zealand’s government said on Sunday it would send a Hercules military transport plane to the Middle East on standby to evacuate New Zealanders from the region.

It said in a statement that government personnel and a C-130J Hercules aircraft would leave Auckland on Monday. The plane would take some days to reach the region, it said.

The government was also in talks with commercial airlines to assess how they may be able to assist, it added.

US forces have hit Iran’s three main nuclear sites overnight, President Donald Trump announced.

He warned Tehran that further strikes would follow unless it agreed to peace.

“The strikes were a spectacular military success,” Trump said in a televised Oval Office address.

“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”

He added: “If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill.”

According to CBS News, the US approached Iran diplomatically on Saturday, signalling that no further attacks were planned and that Washington was not seeking regime change.

Trump named the three nuclear sites targeted as Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow.

Speaking to Fox News, he said six bunker-buster bombs were dropped on Fordow, while 30 Tomahawk missiles hit the other two sites.

The full extent of damage at the site may take days or longer to assess due to its fortification.

In Tehran, an Iranian official quoted by Tasnim news agency confirmed “enemy airstrikes” had struck part of the Fordow facility.

Hassan Abedini, deputy political head of Iran’s state broadcaster, said authorities had removed materials from the sites before the strikes.

“The enriched uranium reserves had been transferred from the nuclear centres and there are no materials left there that, if targeted, would cause radiation and be harmful to our compatriots,” he told the channel.

Following consultations and the approval of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, announced today several changes to the UAE government.

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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated: “Following consultations with my brother, the President, and with his approval, we announce today the following changes to the UAE government: the establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Trade and the appointment of Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi as Minister of Foreign Trade, as well as the renaming of the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri.”

He added: “We also announce that the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member of the Council of Ministers, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of federal entities and government companies starting in January 2026. It will support decision-making, conduct real-time analyses, offer technical advice, and enhance the efficiency of government policies across all sectors.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid concluded: “The world is undergoing a comprehensive transformation—scientifically, economically, and socially. Our goal is to prepare today for the coming decades. Our aim is to ensure continued prosperity and a dignified life for future generations.”