As Saudi Arabia prepares to host two monumental global events—Expo 2030 Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup 2034—the Kingdom faces pressing questions about balancing ambition with environmental responsibility and preparing for future challenges. Can these events align with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cutting 60% of carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060? How will transportation emissions from international and regional travel be mitigated? Can energy demand for cooling and lighting in the Kingdom’s extreme climate be sustainably met? Will water resources, already scarce in the region, be conserved effectively? And, beyond these immediate concerns, how can these events contribute to the Kingdom’s long-term resilience in the face of climate change and evolving global sustainability standards?
The Royal Commission of Riyadh (RCRC), Expo 2030 partners, and FIFA 2034 stakeholders, including the Royal Commissions overseeing Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and NEOM, along with the newly established Public Investment Fund (PIF)-backed companies managing these events, bear the responsibility of addressing these challenges head-on. A comprehensive, lifecycle approach to planning and operations is essential to minimise environmental impact whilst delivering extraordinary global experiences. Their collaborative efforts must integrate environmental stewardship into every stage, spanning design, construction, operation, and long-term legacy planning and execution. This means the careful selection of delivery and implementation partners will be a pivotal factor in achieving success. Moreover, open and transparent collaboration with adjacent cities and neighbouring countries is crucial for fostering integrated, shared responsibility and accountability toward environmental commitments during these events.
The ambitious visions for these landmark events, ensuring their success resonates far beyond their timelines, requires those with capabilities in sustainability strategy, operational efficiency, and advanced technology integration, bringing their global experience and sharing it with those on the ground in Saudi.
A key area where such experience will be invaluable is in transportation, one of the largest contributors to emissions during mega-events. With Expo 2030 Riyadh expecting over 40 million visitors from 190 countries and FIFA 2034 drawing millions of fans, the carbon footprint from air travel, regional transport, and local commuting could be staggering. Without significant mitigation, this could undermine Saudi Arabia’s efforts to decarbonise its transportation sector. Solutions must include the deployment of AI-powered traffic management systems capable of reducing congestion and emissions by up to 30% through real-time analysis and predictive modelling. Expo 2030 can set a benchmark by integrating electric and autonomous vehicle fleets with enhanced public transit networks, offering low-emission alternatives to visitors. Personalised navigation apps promoting shared mobility options, electric buses, and high-speed rail connections between venues would further curb emissions. FIFA 2026 could benefit from these frameworks by utilising sustainable transport hubs and promoting regional connectivity through electrified rail systems.
Energy demands, particularly for cooling and lighting, represent another critical challenge. Riyadh’s harsh climate requires solutions that are both efficient and sustainable. Expo 2030 plans to deploy AI-driven energy management systems capable of dynamically monitoring and optimising energy use, integrating these with Saudi Arabia’s growing green hydrogen infrastructure. Projects like NEOM’s Helios Green Fuels initiative, which aims to produce 600 tons of green hydrogen daily by 2026, will play a vital role in powering event operations whilst reducing reliance on fossil fuels, but only if these mega events’ demands have been factored into its original design. FIFA 2034 can replicate these systems in its stadiums and fan zones, ensuring energy-efficient operations that set a new global benchmark. Beyond the events, this investment in hydrogen and AI-enabled energy systems will enhance the Kingdom’s overall energy resilience, preparing it for a future where sustainable energy solutions are paramount.
Water conservation is an equally pressing concern. Riyadh’s limited freshwater resources necessitate advanced solutions to meet increased demand without depleting natural reserves. Expo 2030 will need to incorporate closed-loop water recycling and desalination systems, supported by AI-powered leak detection, to save millions of litres of potable water. These systems will not only ensure efficient water use during the event but also establish scalable models for sustainable water management that can address the Kingdom’s long-term water security challenges. Similarly, FIFA 2034 venues must integrate greywater recycling technologies and water-efficient designs to align with national conservation goals and enhance their operational resilience.
Waste management is another critical area where innovation and resilience intersect. The millions of attendees expected at these events will generate substantial waste, but Saudi Arabia can set a new standard in circular resource management. Building on Dubai Expo 2020’s achievement of diverting 85% of waste from landfills, Expo 2030 Riyadh aims to exceed this benchmark with AI-enabled waste monitoring systems, on-site composting, and comprehensive recycling programmes. FIFA 2034 can leverage similar strategies to achieve unified sustainability outcomes. Beyond the immediate impact, these systems can be integrated into Riyadh’s urban framework, providing lasting solutions for waste reduction and resource recovery.
Visitor comfort and crowd management are essential not only for the success of these events but also for their contribution to urban resilience. AI-driven crowd analytics will enable real-time monitoring and adjustments to visitor flows, reducing congestion and enhancing safety. Urban design elements such as shaded walkways, greenery, and renewable-powered misting systems are potential solutions to create comfortable, walkable environments that reduce the need for motorised transportation within event sites
From a future resilience perspective, the RCRC, PIF-backed Expo 2030 management company, and FIFA 2034 partners must prioritise adaptive infrastructure and transparent legacy planning. Investments in smart grids, renewable energy systems, and water conservation technologies should be designed with scalability in mind, ensuring they can support Riyadh’s growing population and urban development beyond 2030 and 2034. Comprehensive sustainability reporting, aligned with international standards, will demonstrate measurable outcomes and foster global confidence in Saudi Arabia’s environmental leadership.
Ultimately, these events are not merely opportunities to showcase Saudi Arabia’s capabilities but pivotal platforms to demonstrate how a nation can balance ambition with responsibility. With the eyes of the world fixed on the Kingdom, the stakes have never been higher. These events will test whether large-scale global celebrations can harmonise with the urgent need for climate action. By integrating advanced technology, renewable energy, and circular resource management, Saudi Arabia has the chance to redefine what it means to host sustainable mega-events, crafting a legacy of innovation and resilience. If it succeeds, it will not only achieve its ambitious goals but set a transformative example, inspiring a global shift toward sustainability. Yet, the critical question remains: Will the steps taken today to balance progress with sustainability be bold enough to ensure we achieve our climate goals and hold positive impact for generations to come? The answers will shape not only the Kingdom’s trajectory but also the world’s collective approach to meeting its environmental commitments.
By Engi Jabr, Assoc. Partner (+Impact) and Head of Climatize