Preparations are underway for the 25th Multi-sector International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026 (WCA 2026),” which will take place on 24–25 May 2026 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Held annually in celebration of Ashgabat City Day, the forum has become one of the region’s leading platforms dedicated to urban development, architecture, infrastructure and industrial innovation. The 2026 edition will be organised under the theme “Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development.” reflecting Turkmenistan’s vision of developing its capital as a modern centre of architectural excellence, technological progress and sustainable urban growth.
An Expanding International Forum
Over the years, the White City Ashgabat Exhibition and Conference has evolved into an important international platform bringing together government officials, global companies, investors, urban planners and technology providers. The 2025 edition welcomed more than 550 delegates from over 30 countries, including representatives of international organisations, engineering companies, financial institutions and leading architecture and construction firms. Organisers expect the upcoming forum to attract an even broader international audience.
Driving Investment and Partnerships
Beyond professional dialogue, the forum has also demonstrated its value as a platform for investment cooperation and strategic partnerships. Key outcomes from the previous edition included a contractworth over USD 54 million between the Ashgabat City Administration and China’s Zoomlion Environmental Industry Co. Ltd. for the supply of 960 units of specialised municipal equipment, supporting the modernisation of the capital’s urban services.
Another milestone agreement was a USD 682 million contract between the State Concern Turkmenhimiya and South Korea’s Daewoo Engineering & Construction for the construction of a mineral fertiliser production complex in Turkmenabat, strengthening Turkmenistan’s chemical industry and export capacity.
In addition, the forum hosted more than 100 bilateral meetings, enabling direct dialogue between international companies and Turkmen government institutions on potential investment projects.
Ashgabat 2045 and the Future of Urban Development
A key focus of White City Ashgabat 2026 will be the Ashgabat 2045 Development Strategy, which aims to position the capital as a modern administrative, economic and cultural hub.
Conference discussions will address topics such as smart city technologies, sustainable infrastructure, energy-efficient construction, modern transport systems and innovative urban planning. The programme will also highlight the development of Arkadag, Turkmenistan’s new smart city, built with advanced architectural and engineering solutions and designed as a model of sustainable urban planning and digital infrastructure integration.
New Opportunities for Global Industry
The upcoming forum will present new investment opportunities and strategic projects across several sectors, including:
- urban infrastructure and architectural development
- innovative construction technologies
- sustainable energy systems
- gas-chemical and industrial projects
- production of advanced construction materials.
Several new cooperation agreements and investment initiatives are expected to be announced during the event.
Ashgabat as a Platform for Regional Cooperation
With its distinctive white-marble architecture and ambitious development vision, Ashgabat continues to strengthen its role as a modern city open to international partnership and investment.
The WCA 2026 will bring together global industry leaders, investors and policymakers to explore new opportunities and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
More information about the conference programme, exhibition and participation opportunities is available at the official website: https://ashgabat-white-city.com/ ///nCa, 14 March 2026 (the material was provided by the Organizers)