Dubai: As urbanisation intensifies around the world, global leaders at the forefront of shaping cities are set to gather in Dubai this month for the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit (2025APCS) and Mayors' Forum, hosted by Expo City Dubai. The summit aims to turn ideas into impact with a raft of new announcements designed to make cities more liveable, efficient, and resilient.
According to Emirates News Agency, the summit will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. This event is one of the world's largest gatherings of mayors and city and business leaders. Scheduled at the Dubai Exhibition Centre from 27th-29th October, the 2025APCS will tackle topics ranging from affordable housing approaches to data-intelligent and nature-based cities.
The summit will also serve as a platform for cities to introduce major projects, with the 2023 summit presenting opportunities worth more than AUD2.3 billion (AED5.6 billion). Dubai Municipality will unveil a set of flagship projects aimed at boosting urban sustainability, advancing smart infrastructure, and fostering new avenues of intercity collaboration. The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will announce its procurement programme.
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, highlighted the event's significance as a platform to address the world's greatest challenges. Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of The Executive Council of Dubai, emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaboration in tackling the complexities of urbanisation.
The summit will welcome delegates from across the globe, including mayors and city governors from diverse regions. Keynote speakers include Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Jeong-kee Kim, Sumayya Vally, and Mo Gawdat. Discussions will be informed by the 2025 Urban Readiness Report, which addresses the challenges city leaders face in delivering essential services while investing in long-term resilience.
The Dubai Real Estate Business Forum will explore the role of real estate in delivering equity and resilience in cities. The Mayors' Forum will deliver the Mayors' Accord, summarising key outcomes and guiding principles for city growth and resilience. Additionally, the City Leaders' Forum and Young Professionals' Forum will provide platforms for exchanging learnings and developing future city solutions.
An initiative of the Brisbane City Council delivered by Expo City Dubai, 2025APCS is the first Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors' Forum to be hosted in the Middle East region, with participation from over 150 mayors and leaders from more than 300 cities worldwide.