Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, has successfully negotiated to host World Expo 2030, a major diplomatic coup. This accomplishment places the Gulf area at the forefront of important international events, much like Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup did. With an astounding 119 votes, or a resounding two-thirds majority from the 182 members of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris, Riyadh defeated rivals Busan, South Korea, and Rome, Italy. The dynamics of Expo 2030 diplomacy emerged beyond the voting, displaying a conflicted sense of relief and disillusionment. Head of the Italian Expo bidder Giampiero Massolo, an Italian, expressed surprise at Saudi Arabia's significant success and warned that the bids' merits would be overshadowed by hidden deals. President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea congratulated the Kingdom, calling it a "key partner" and promising joint efforts to ensure Riyadh's hosting is a success. A key factor in Riyadh'...