APCS is one of the region’s largest and most diverse convenings of mayors, city leaders, thinkers and makers. The event has been welcoming city leaders, future makers and trailblazers for nearly 30 years, creating an unmatched platform to share and propel government and business relations and showcase the capabilities of cities to the world. Hosted on a biennial basis by Brisbane City Council, more than 600 cities have so far been represented at APCS. The event is an unsurpassed opportunity for city and business leaders to connect and share their urban agenda, with the 2023 event attracting almost 1,200 delegates including 171 cities and 118 mayors, deputy mayors and equivalents.
Expo City Dubai will host the 2025APCS, marking the first time the event has been held in the Middle East. A sustainable urban ecosystem and an incubator for developing and scaling planetary solutions, Expo City Dubai is the new centre of Dubai’s future.
The event venue is Dubai Exhibition Centre from 27 to 29 October 2025.
2025APCS is an initiative of Brisbane City Council, delivered by Expo City Dubai and with programme and event advisory from Expo Dubai Group.
Linking the Middle East, Africa and South Asia with the wider Asia Pacific region, the event will attract a global network of those at the very forefront of shaping cities for the future and will focus on creating business and investment opportunities in sustainable growth and urbanisation. Attendees will include mayors, city leaders, local, state and federal government heads, policy makers, trade associations, business leaders, city tourism leaders, startups, innovators, change advocates, influencers, young professionals, leading academics and industry professionals.
The overarching theme of 2025APCS is Collaborate. Inspire. Transform.
The three sub-themes are:
1. Centres of Connection
The pivotal role of transportation networks, digital infrastructure and community spaces in driving economic opportunity and bridging geographic and demographic divides in cities
2. Centres of Solutions
How urban innovation can drive transformative change through scalable and adaptable solutions that balance technological advancement with community empowerment
3. Centres of Resilience
Fortifying cities against climate impacts, natural disasters and economic instability, and creating urban environments that empower communities to thrive in the face of change
• Mayors’ Forum and Mayors’ Accord
An opportunity for elected government leaders (mayors and deputy mayors) to come together and share their insights, discuss trends and issues facing their cities and develop solutions to promote growth and prosperity in cities. Find out more here.
• City Leaders’ Forum
An exclusive opportunity for non-elected council executive staff including chief executive officers, general managers and departmental managers to share their experiences and learnings from their region with one another. Find out more here.
• Keynotes and panel sessions
A two-day series of plenaries and speeches by renowned thought leaders, policy makers and decision makers. See programme at a glance for more.
• Meet@APCS Business Programme
Open to business and industry leaders, a dedicated business introductions programme designed to create opportunities to meet with delegates, exchange knowledge and do business. Find out more here.
• APCS Market Square exhibition
100+ exhibition spaces open to exhibitors from public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Find out more here.
• Young Professionals’ Forum (YPs@APCS)
An exclusive programme for leading young minds and future industry leaders to engage, network and propose innovative solutions for cities. Find out more here.
English is the official language of APCS. Simultaneous translation headsets may be provided for keynote and plenary sessions, subject to language demand. The Mayors’ Forum will be conducted in English only. An interpreter is permitted if required for the Forum. Delegates requiring interpreting for meetings are kindly requested to bring their own interpreter to the Summit.
Register here for event updates. An agenda will be made available on this website nearer event time.
An official letter of invitation to attend 2025APCS will be sent to non-UAE delegates for visa application purposes once full payment for registration has been received. It is strongly recommended that you apply at least six weeks before you travel. For details on visas to enter the UAE please access this handy guide.
We advise that you keep checking in for special offers on flights with our airline partners (tba).
Will airport transfers be available?
Delegates will be required to make their own way from the airport to their accommodation. The city is conveniently located within close proximity to both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), making it accessible for international travelers. Information on transport options can be found here.
A list of partner hotels will be provided to delegates, offering bookings at negotiated rates. Delegates are also invited to make their own bookings at the hotel of their choosing. Find out more here.
We also advise that you keep checking in for special offers on flights with our airline partners.
Expo City Dubai has built accessibility into its fabric to ensure that people of determination – whether residents, working professionals, visitors or employees – are fully supported. Find out more here.
Stay up to date with news and announcements about 2025APCS
If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy practices, please contact dataprivacy@expocitydubai.ae
Quick Links