Expo City Dubai concluded a full calendar of international forums, cultural events and community activities in 2025, hosting more than 75 events and welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors. Organisers said preparations are underway for an expanded slate of major gatherings in 2026, alongside events at the neighbouring Dubai Exhibition Centre.
Throughout the year, the site hosted sustainability summits, educational forums, cultural festivals and sporting competitions, reinforcing its role as a venue for large-scale international meetings and public engagement. Sholto Douglas-Home, chief marketing and sales officer at Expo City Dubai, said the city’s performance as both organiser and host reflected Dubai’s growing position in the global meetings and exhibitions sector.
Among the year’s most significant events was the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum, held for the first time in the Middle East. The gathering brought together more than 150 mayors and leaders from over 300 cities and attracted more than 1,500 speakers and delegates, generating reported investment opportunities worth $9 billion. Other forums focused on sustainable tourism, clean energy and climate policy, including the Sustainable Destinations Forum and the Clean Energy Business Council Annual Summit.
Expo City also advanced environmental initiatives, unveiling Terra’s IUCN Centre for Species Survival and hosting the inauguration of the Jane Goodall Pollinator Garden during a visit by the late Dr. Jane Goodall.
Cultural and community programming included Ramadan and Eid celebrations, national events marking Eid Al Etihad, and the opening of House of Arts in the former Morocco Pavilion, developed with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Seasonal attractions such as Al Wasl Season, Winter City and family-focused festivals drew large crowds, while sporting events attracted more than 20,000 participants.
The Women’s Pavilion hosted programmes supporting women’s return to work and launched its first FemTech Hackathon, alongside initiatives tied to international awareness days. Educational attractions, including Terra and Alif, continued to host workshops, exhibitions and youth-focused programmes.
Looking ahead, Expo City Dubai plans to host major international events in 2026, including GITEX and the World Health Expo, formerly Arab Health, as the district prepares to welcome its first residents.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.
Oksana Bozhko
