Expo City Dubai has wrapped up another packed year of global gatherings, cultural celebrations and community-driven experiences, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors and hosting more than 75 events, and is gearing up for a bumper 2026 as the city and neighboring Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) get ready to stage even more major international events.

From sustainability summits and community-building programs to art festivals, educational forums, family celebrations and sporting competitions, events across the city drew diverse audiences and reaffirmed its role as a vibrant hub for global engagement and cultural exchange.

Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Expo City Dubai Sholto Douglas-Home said, “Expo City Dubai’s strength as both an organizer and ideal host venue shone through this year, serving as a platform where visionaries, creators and changemakers convene. Looking ahead to 2026, we will build on this momentum, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector, leveraging Expo City’s strategic location, versatile event spaces and the expanding Dubai Exhibition Centre.”

For the first time in the Middle East, Expo City hosted the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (APCS) - gathering more than 150 mayors and leaders from over 300 cities to address urban growth, inclusion and sustainability.

The landmark event attracted more than 1,500 speakers and delegates and unlocked $9 billion in investment opportunities, reflecting Dubai’s rising influence as a global convening force and hub for business.

The momentum continued with the Sustainable Destinations Forum and the 13th Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) Annual Summit, bringing together policymakers, innovators and industry leaders to advance responsible tourism, clean energy and climate solutions. Reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship, Expo City also unveiled Terra’s IUCN Centre for Species Survival - a new global platform accelerating biodiversity protection. And in January, the late Dr Jane Goodall visited Terra to inaugurate the Jane Goodall Pollinator Garden, a sanctuary for bees that raises awareness about the essential role of pollinators.

Signature events like Hai Ramadan celebrated the Islamic holy month, Emirati-led light exhibition Dhai Dubai returned for its second edition, and the city united in meaningful celebrations to mark Eid Al Etihad from 2rd to 3rd December.

Expo City also expanded its partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, with the launch of House of Arts marking an exciting new chapter for art, culture and community. Housed in the award-winning former Morocco Pavilion, this public space offers a bold new venue for exhibitions, workshops and creative expression.