Expo City Dubai has concluded another dynamic year of international conferences, cultural celebrations, and community-focused experiences, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors and hosting more than 75 events. With momentum building, the city and the neighbouring Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) are preparing for an even busier calendar in 2026, featuring major global gatherings and city-wide experiences.
Throughout the year, Expo City hosted a diverse range of events spanning sustainability, education, arts, culture, sports, and community engagement. These programmes attracted audiences from across the world and reinforced the city’s role as a vibrant platform for dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Sholto Douglas-Home, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Expo City Dubai, said the city’s success lies in its ability to serve both as a world-class host venue and an experienced event organiser. He added that the momentum will continue into 2026, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), supported by Expo City’s strategic location, flexible venues, and the expanding Dubai Exhibition Centre.
Among the year’s highlights was the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum, hosted in the Middle East for the first time. The landmark event brought together more than 150 mayors and leaders from over 300 cities, attracting over 1,500 delegates and generating investment opportunities worth US$9 billion. The city also hosted the Sustainable Destinations Forum and the Clean Energy Business Council Annual Summit, advancing global conversations on sustainability, tourism, and clean energy.
Expo City further reinforced its environmental leadership with the launch of Terra’s IUCN Centre for Species Survival and the inauguration of the Jane Goodall Pollinator Garden, underscoring its commitment to biodiversity and conservation.
Cultural and community events played a central role throughout the year, including Hai Ramadan, the return of Dhai Dubai, Eid Al Etihad celebrations, and the expansion of partnerships with Dubai Culture through the launch of the House of Arts. Seasonal events such as Al Wasl Season, Winter City, and family-focused festivals attracted tens of thousands of visitors, while upcoming celebrations include Carols by Candlelight and a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event at Al Wasl Plaza.
The Women’s Pavilion continued to champion female empowerment through programmes supporting women’s return to work, innovation in women’s health, and initiatives marking key international observances. Meanwhile, legacy attractions such as Terra, Alif, and Vision Dubai welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors through exhibitions, educational workshops, youth programmes, and nature-focused events.
Expo City also promoted health and wellbeing through large-scale sporting events, attracting more than 20,000 participants, and hosted high-profile brand activations, performances, and international shows.
Looking ahead, Expo City Dubai is preparing for a landmark year in 2026, with major events such as GITEX 2026 and the World Health Expo set to take place. As the city evolves and prepares to welcome its first residents, it remains focused on delivering a people-centric, sustainable, and globally connected destination.
