Sheikh Mohammed backs Riyadh Expo bid in meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, backed Saudi Arabia's bid to host Expo 2030 after holding talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Sheikh Mohammed spoke of his hopes of the world's fair returning to the Middle East at the start of the next decade following his meeting with Prince Mohammed at Expo 2020 Dubai on Wednesday.

Riyadh is competing against the Russian capital Moscow, the Italian capital Rome, Ukraine's resort city of Odessa and South Korea's second city Busan in the selection process for Expo 2030.

The final decision will be made through a vote by 170 members of the Bureau International des Expositions in 2023.

“Today, I met my brother, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, at Expo 2020 Dubai,” Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

“The peoples of the Gulf are waiting for us with new and great ideas and projects.”

Prince Mohammed arrived at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday for his two-day visit to the Emirates as part of his tour of the GCC member states.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, welcomed the prince.

The pair held talks at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where they discussed ties between their two countries and opportunities to strengthen them.

Sheikh Mohamed spoke about the strong relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

"Thanks to the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers the Kings of Saudi Arabia, and the stances of His Highness the President and his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the excellent relations between our countries keep growing stronger as they are founded on fraternity, history, geography and common interests," said Sheikh Mohamed, in a statement released on Wam.

"Saudi Arabia has been, and will always be a key regional player. We are confident that together, we will be able to confront all challenges in the region and to maintain our common interests and the welfare of our peoples," he added.

They discussed the importance of boosting joint GCC and Arab action, as well as regional and international issues of interest.

They also spoke about the need to strengthen regional stability, a key pillar for development and progress, according to the statement.

Sheikh Mohamed hosted a dinner banquet in honour of Prince Mohammed and his delegation at the palace.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrives in the UAE - in pictures