H.H. Sheikh Hamdan highlights Dubai’s vision for sustainable urban development

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended the opening of the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum at Expo City Dubai on Monday.

The summit - being held in the Middle East for the first time - is one of the world’s largest gatherings of city leaders, bringing together over 150 mayors and representatives from more than 350 cities to discuss the future of sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Sheikh Hamdan, who also holds the position of UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, said the event reflects Dubai’s status as a global hub for urban innovation and collaboration, and showcases international confidence in the emirate's journey towards building smarter, people-centred cities.

He added that Dubai remains committed to uniting global city leaders to explore solutions that balance economic growth, environmental sustainability and quality of life.

Organised by Brisbane City Council and hosted by Expo City Dubai with support from the Executive Council of Dubai, the summit runs until October 29, addressing key urban priorities such as affordable housing, heat resilience and data-driven city planning.

For the first time in the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum opened today at Expo City Dubai, bringing together leaders from over 350 cities worldwide. On the sidelines, I attended signing of MoUs between Dubai and the cities of Tokyo and Brisbane. I… pic.twitter.com/viX6Rsj8Ej

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 27, 2025

On the sidelines of the summit, Sheikh Hamdan witnessed the signing of several bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening international cooperation in building sustainable, human-centred cities.

Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Yuriko Koike, the Governor of Tokyo, signed an MoU to promote collaboration in infrastructure, transport, urban resilience and digital transformation.

Al Basti and Councillor Adrian Schrinner, Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Australia, signed an MoU focused on urban governance, hosting major events, tourism, business tourism, improving quality of life and attracting talent.

Hamdan bin Mohammed attends MoU signings between Dubai and the cities of Tokyo and Brisbane at the Dubai Government pavilion during the Asia-Pacific Cities Summit 2025 in Expo City Dubai. The MoUs aim to enhance collaboration and share expertise in creating sustainable,… pic.twitter.com/lAWKHSYkrX

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 27, 2025