Preparations are underway in Ashgabat for the 25th Multidisciplinary International Exhibition and Conference ‘White City Ashgabat – 2026’ (WCA 2026), which will take place on 24–25 May. The forum is traditionally timed to coincide with Ashgabat City Day and is dedicated to issues relating to the development of the modern urban environment. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’.

In 2026, the event will be held under the motto ‘Architecture. Innovation. Sustainable Development’. It is expected that the forum will address issues such as the modernisation of urban infrastructure, the introduction of innovative technologies, the development of environmentally sustainable urban systems, and the implementation of the “smart city” concept.

The organisers note that over the years, the “White City Ashgabat” forum has become an international platform for discussing projects in the fields of construction, architecture and infrastructure development. In 2025, the event was attended by over 550 delegates from more than 30 countries, representing government bodies, international organisations and leading companies.

A number of agreements were signed during last year’s forum. In particular, the Ashgabat City Administration signed a contract with the Chinese company ‘Zoomlion Environmental Industry Co. Ltd.’ for the supply of 960 units of municipal equipment. In addition, the state concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ and the South Korean company ‘Daewoo Engineering & Construction’ signed a contract for the construction of a mineral fertiliser production complex at the chemical plant in Turkmenabat.

It is expected that the upcoming conference will focus particularly on the implementation of Ashgabat’s development strategy up to 2045, including the introduction of digital urban management systems, the modernisation of transport and municipal infrastructure, and the construction of energy-efficient buildings.

Topics for discussion will also include the development of the city of Arkadag, regarded as a modern example of the implementation of innovative urban planning solutions and digital technologies for managing urban infrastructure.

The organisers note that the upcoming forum will serve as a platform for presenting investment projects and technological solutions in the fields of construction, industry, energy and the production of building materials.