2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum to Be Held in Expo City Dubai

Dubai, known for its grandeur and world-class events, continues to solidify its position as a global hub for conferences and exhibitions. Following the successful hosting of major events like Expo 2020 Dubai and the United Nations 28th Conference of Parties (COP28), Expo City Dubai has been chosen as the venue for the prestigious 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit (2025APCS) and Mayors’ Forum. This marks the first time that this event, renowned as one of the largest gatherings of mayors, city leaders, and business figures, will take place in the Middle East.

The 2025APCS event, an initiative of Brisbane City Council and delivered by Expo City Dubai, with program and event advisory from Expo Dubai Group, is set to be held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre from 27 to 29 October 2025. This event aims to connect the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia with the wider Asia Pacific region, creating a global network of leaders involved in shaping the cities of the future. The summit will focus on fostering business ventures and investment opportunities in sustainable development and urbanization.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, expressed pride in Dubai being selected to host the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit. She highlighted Dubai’s experience in hosting global events like Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28, and how the city has transformed into a center for opportunity and knowledge exchange.

The Asia Pacific Cities Summit has a legacy of 28 years and has established a prestigious alumni network of over 600 cities, making it a significant event for the Asia Pacific region that promotes economic growth and collaboration among cities. Founded in 1996 by Brisbane City Council, the APCS is held biennially, alternating between Brisbane and different international locations. The 2023APCS in Brisbane, Australia, showcased city projects worth AUD 2.3 billion (approximately Dhs 5.6 billion) to delegates, attracting over 1,000 participants from 171 cities, including 118 mayors and deputy mayors, 140 young professionals, and featuring 180 speakers and 78 exhibitors over a dynamic three-day event.

The 2025 edition of APCS follows Expo City’s successful hosting of the first Sustainable Cities in Action Forum in 2024. This forum featured innovative solutions and discussions aimed at driving positive urban development across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

In conclusion, Dubai’s selection as the host city for the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum further cements its reputation as a leading global destination for large-scale events. The summit is set to bring together key stakeholders from across the world to discuss and collaborate on important issues related to sustainable development and urbanization, solidifying Dubai’s position as a hub for knowledge exchange and opportunity creation.