Preparations are underway in Ashgabat for the 25th International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026 (WCA 2026)”, which will take place on 24–25 May 2026 in the capital of Turkmenistan.

Over the years, the forum has evolved into one of the region’s leading international platforms dedicated to urban development, architecture, infrastructure and technological innovation. The upcoming edition will once again bring together government leaders, international organisations, investors, engineering companies and urban development experts to discuss the future of sustainable cities.

Held annually in celebration of the Day of the White Marble Capital, the forum reflects Turkmenistan’s long-term strategy aimed at developing modern urban infrastructure, implementing advanced technologies and creating environmentally sustainable cities. The 2026 edition will be organised under the theme: “Architecture • Innovation • Sustainable Development.”

This theme highlights the country’s strategic vision of combining architectural excellence, digital technologies and sustainable infrastructure to shape the cities of the future.

A Growing International Platform

During the past two decades, the White City Ashgabat Exhibition and Conference has established itself as an important international meeting point for professionals working in architecture, construction, engineering and urban planning.

The 2025 edition welcomed more than 550 delegates from over 30 countries, including representatives of international organisations, financial institutions, engineering companies and global construction firms. Such participation reflects the growing interest of international industry leaders in Turkmenistan’s large-scale infrastructure and urban development projects.

The upcoming forum is expected to attract an even broader international audience, strengthening its role as a platform for professional dialogue, knowledge exchange and new partnerships.

From Dialogue to Investment

Beyond professional discussions, the forum has increasingly become a practical platform for investment cooperation and strategic agreements.

Several significant contracts were announced during the previous edition. Among them was an agreement between the Ashgabat City Administration and the Chinese company Zoomlion Environmental Industry Co. Ltd. worth over USD 54 million for the supply of specialised municipal equipment aimed at modernising urban services in the capital.

Another milestone project involved 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.

The forum also hosted more than 100 bilateral meetings between international companies and government institutions, creating opportunities to discuss future investment projects and technological cooperation. These outcomes demonstrate the growing importance of the forum not only as a discussion platform but also as a catalyst for real economic partnerships.

Ashgabat 2045: Vision for a Modern Capital

One of the key topics of White City Ashgabat 2026 will be the long-term development strategy of the capital, often referred to as Ashgabat 2045.

The strategy aims to strengthen the city’s role as a modern administrative, economic and cultural centre through innovative urban planning, modern infrastructure and sustainable architecture.

The conference programme will focus on global trends shaping the cities of the future, including:

• smart city technologies and digital urban management
• sustainable transport systems and urban mobility
• energy-efficient buildings and environmentally responsible construction
• modern infrastructure and engineering networks
• investment frameworks supporting large-scale infrastructure projects.

These discussions reflect broader global priorities as cities worldwide integrate digital infrastructure, green technologies and resilient urban design.

Arkadag: A Model Smart City

Another important focus of the forum will be the development of Arkadag, Turkmenistan’s new smart city. Built using advanced architectural and engineering solutions, Arkadag represents a new model of urban development combining digital technologies, sustainable infrastructure and high-quality public services.

As a next-generation smart city, Arkadag offers significant opportunities for international cooperation in areas such as construction technologies, energy systems, digital infrastructure and urban mobility.

Industry Agenda: Technology, Infrastructure and Partnerships

The WCA 2026 programme will combine strategic discussions with practical engagement between government institutions and international industry leaders. The opening plenary session titled “Ashgabat 2045: Vision for a Sustainable and Smart Capital” will present the strategic priorities guiding the city’s development.

Subsequent sessions will explore a wide range of topics, including:

• digital transformation in construction and infrastructure management
• smart transport systems and urban mobility solutions
• public–private partnerships in infrastructure financing
• industrial development supporting construction growth
• sustainable energy systems for modern cities.

Alongside the conference programme, the forum will host an international industry exhibition presenting technologies in construction, engineering, architecture and digital urban infrastructure.

Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in structured bilateral meetings with ministries, project developers and international companies, creating a practical platform for investment dialogue and partnership development.

Ashgabat: A City Open to Global Cooperation

With its distinctive white-marble architecture and ambitious urban development vision, Ashgabat continues to strengthen its position as a modern city open to international cooperation. Large-scale infrastructure projects, innovative architectural initiatives and the development of smart city technologies are shaping the capital’s transformation into a dynamic hub for global collaboration in construction, engineering and urban planning.

In this context, White City Ashgabat 2026 is expected to further reinforce the city’s role as a regional centre for professional dialogue and investment cooperation.

Looking Ahead

As preparations continue, the upcoming forum will bring together government leaders, global companies, investors and urban development experts to exchange experience, present innovative technologies and explore new investment opportunities.

By combining strategic dialogue with practical cooperation, the 25th International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026” will contribute to advancing sustainable urban development and strengthening international partnerships in architecture, infrastructure and innovation.

More information about the forum programme, exhibition and participation opportunities is available on the official website: https://ashgabat-white-city.com