In a significant move to strengthen international urban cooperation, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Expo City Dubai. The agreement, formalized during the Cities in Action Forum 2025, aims to facilitate Indian participation in the upcoming Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) & Mayor’s Forum scheduled for October 2025. The MoU was signed by Nadia Verjee, Executive Director of Expo City Dubai, and Adeeb Ahmad, Chair of FICCI India-Arab Council.

The APCS & Mayor’s Forum, to be hosted at Expo City Dubai, represents one of the region’s most comprehensive gatherings of urban leaders and innovators. The summit will bring together city mayors, business leaders, government representatives, policymakers, tourism officials, and emerging leaders to address pressing urban challenges.

For India, the summit presents a strategic opportunity to engage with global experts on urban development issues. As the country grapples with rapid urbanization, the forum will offer insights into infrastructure development, sustainability, and climate resilience solutions that can be adapted to Indian cities. The event aligns with India’s domestic initiatives, including the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

The partnership between FICCI and Expo City Dubai is expected to enhance India’s role in shaping regional urban policies while promoting innovation and sustainable development in its cities. Through this collaboration, Indian urban leaders will have the opportunity to network with international counterparts and explore potential investments in India’s urban sectors.