Saudi celebrates after winning bid to host 2030 World Expo

On Tuesday, the Saudi capital Riyadh won the right to host the 2030 World Expo, defeating rival bids from Italy and South Korea as well as overcoming objections from rights activists to take hold of another global mega-event.

The capital Riyadh celebrated with a drone show and fireworks after winning the right to host the World Expo. Hosting the Expo is of immense importance for Saudi Arabia whose bid has been spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, as he seeks to secure the world's top events to showcase the kingdom across the globe.

The date of 2030 is also hugely symbolic as it coincides with the key milestone in the Vision 2030 program of MBS to diversify Saudi Arabia economically and also culturally.