(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) City leaders and mayors from around 20 sub-Saharan African nations gathered at Expo City Dubai to establish a platform to deepen strategic cooperation and advance shared goals in vital areas, including AI, digital transformation, climate adaptation and inclusive growth.

The high-level discussions, attended by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, reflected the UAE's role as a key partner in Africa's urban development journey and demonstrated how UAE-Africa relations are rooted in shared priorities, longstanding heritage and deep community ties. The strategic partnerships are focused on translating urban visions into tangible improvements for citizens across the continent.

With mayors and urban coalitions increasingly at the forefront of global problem-solving, the dialogue highlighted key African urban centres – such as Lagos, Kinshasa and Nairobi – as crucial growth engines. The discussion centred how these cities can leverage the UAE's experience to build a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future.

The UAE: a leading partner in shared development

The UAE is committed to supporting Africa's rapid urbanisation through action-oriented projects that focus on digital innovation in AI-driven, low-cost digital infrastructure, through capacity-building and knowledge-sharing initiatives. This strategic focus positions the UAE as a continental bridge, supporting Africa's journey toward sustainable urbanisation.

The depth of UAE-Africa relations is continually bolstered by high-level exchanges – most recently the visit to Angola of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President.

The UAE is a leading investor in Africa, guided by a vision to promote shared development and sustainable growth. The nation continues to expand investments in infrastructure, energy and job creation, aligning with the continent's priorities in renewable energy, digitalisation and the empowerment of women and youth.

City leaders are in Dubai for a 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.

The summit is one of the world's largest, most diverse gatherings of mayors and city and business leaders. Hosted at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, this global gathering welcomed delegates from more than 300 cities to explore how urban centres – crucial catalysts for investment and progress – can navigate rapid urbanisation and build more liveable, efficient and resilient futures.

About Expo City Dubai:

Expo City Dubai, the legacy city of Expo 2020 Dubai, is an innovation-driven, people-centric community rooted in the belief that collaboration can propel sustainable progress. Its prime location and world-class connectivity place it at the centre of Dubai's future – the lynchpin between Dubai Exhibition Centre, Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port and a key driver of Dubai's Economic Agenda (D33)

• A world-class free zone, it is home to a thriving business community that supports cross-sector collaboration and provides a springboard for businesses of all sizes to scale and grow, enhancing Dubai's position as a global centre of trade and reinforcing the UAE's development and diversification ambitions
• Its residential communities redefine urban living, exemplifying best practice in innovative, environment-friendly design with a focus on wellbeing and happiness
• An incubator for innovation, it is a testbed for solutions and a platform for groundbreaking ideas that benefit both people and the planet
• Packed with educational, cultural and entertainment offerings, with more than 30 indoor and outdoor venues attracting globally significant events, it celebrates human creativity and ingenuity and inspires future generations
• Designed as a blueprint for sustainable urban living and one of five hubs on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, its roadmap to achieving net zero by 2050 and its broader decarbonisation targets raise the bar on responsible urban development

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