DUBAI, 28 October 2025 – Mayors and city leaders from more than 30 cities across the Arab world convened for an executive dinner at Expo City Dubai to discuss a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous Arab urban future.

The gathering, which followed the opening ceremony of the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum at Al Wasl Plaza, was also attended by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority and UAE Ministers of State Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi and His Excellency Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar. It provided a high-level opportunity for city leaders to emphasise a collective responsibility to address regional challenges – including water resilience, rapid growth and youth employability – through collaboration.

Cities working together Joint Arab efforts, underscored by deep cultural and historical connections, are a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategy to maintain strong alliances and economic partnerships with Arab countries and cities. The mayors discussed how the UAE’s journey, defined by visionary leadership and results-oriented governance, provides a blueprint for urban transformation and development that is relevant across the region.

Commitment to actionable partnership Shifting the focus from unilateral guidance to collective problem-solving, the meeting served as a dynamic platform for mutual learning, acknowledging that every Arab city, regardless of its current stage of development, possesses unique insights.

Arab cities have a growing role within the global cityscape, and the Summit provides them with a platform to exchange knowledge and engage with cities from around the world to solidify their presence as they grow.

The visiting mayors and city leaders are in Dubai to attend the three-day global cities summit, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Taking place at Dubai Exhibition Centre from 27-29 October and attended by delegates from more than 350 cities worldwide, the Summit will discuss how cities – vital catalysts for investment, innovation and progress – can navigate rapid urbanisation and become more liveable, efficient and resilient.