2025 ASIA PACIFIC CITIES SUMMIT & MAYORS’ FORUM

In October 2025, Expo City Dubai hosted the global cities summit 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.

The largest gathering of mayors and city leaders in history, welcoming more than 1,600+ delegates from 350+ cities around the world, the event showcased projects and urban opportunities valued at over $65 billion – and reinforced Expo City Dubai’s position as a global platform for city level collaboration and investment-led urban innovation.

Who attended?

• City mayors, councillors and CEOs

• Company and business CEOs, directors, managers and leaders

• Trade associations and government representatives

• Government heads of local, state and federal departments

• Policy makers in the urban agenda

• Leaders in city tourism

• Emerging leaders, researchers, change advocates and youth

• Innovators, influencers and trend setters

What’s in it for delegates?

1. Insights on emerging opportunities and world-changing ideas on cities

2. Connections to world-class keynote speakers and city leaders

3. Access to the award-winning APCS network and alumni

4. Contributions to the essential conversations around the future of cities

5. Business leads, commercial outcomes and ongoing business development support

About APCS

The Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) & Mayors’ Forum has been welcoming city leaders, future makers and trailblazers for 28 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.

Previous international host cities have included Daejeon, Kaohsiung and Chongqing, as well as Incheon and Seattle.