Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai took center stage as a hub for global collaboration this week, hosting mayors and senior officials from 14 cities across the world to discuss trade, investment, and urban development strategies. The event, part of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum, was held at Expo City Dubai from October 27–29.

The roundtable brought together leaders from cities including North Miami (USA), Athens (Greece), Bilbao (Spain), Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Yerevan (Armenia), Paris (France), Nicosia (Cyprus), Kampala (Uganda), Surat (India), Beirut and Mount Lebanon (Lebanon), Accra (Ghana), Casablanca (Morocco), and Baghdad (Iraq).

Participants explored how strategic partnerships can unlock new avenues for urban growth, attract investment, and create global opportunities for talent. Discussions emphasized integrating trade priorities within city planning to achieve inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban development.

Key topics included the development of physical and digital infrastructure to enhance logistics, connectivity, and job creation. Delegates also examined how technology and data can accelerate trade-led urban development and support stronger cooperation between cities, international organizations, and private sector players.

The forum highlighted Dubai’s approach to linking economic strategies with urban expansion, showing how trade, infrastructure, and innovation collectively drive growth. It also underscored the importance of collaboration and partnerships in shaping sustainable, competitive, and investment-friendly cities.

#Global