Concept Note
XXV International Exhibition and Conference
24–25 May, 2026 | Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Overview
The XXV International Exhibition and Conference “White City Ashgabat 2026” (WCA 2026) will take place on 24–25 May 2026 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, bringing together government leaders, international organisations, investors, engineering companies and urban development experts.
The forum is organised in celebration of the Day of the White Marble Capital — Ashgabat, marking the 145th anniversary of the city of Ashgabat and the 35th anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan.
Over the past two decades, the White City Ashgabat forum has developed into Turkmenistan’s leading international platform dedicated to architecture, infrastructure development, construction technologies and sustainable urban development.
The 2026 edition will be held under the theme: “Architecture • Innovation • Sustainable Development.”
The forum will highlight Turkmenistan’s long-term vision for building modern, resilient and sustainable cities, combining advanced architecture, digital technologies and environmentally responsible infrastructure development.
Strategic Context
Ashgabat — the white-marble capital of Turkmenistan — represents one of the most distinctive examples of modern urban development in Central Asia.
Large-scale infrastructure projects implemented in recent years have transformed the capital into a modern administrative, economic and cultural centre.
The development of Ashgabat reflects Turkmenistan’s national strategy aimed at:
- modernising urban infrastructure
- implementing innovative construction technologies
- improving public services and city management systems
- expanding international cooperation and investment.
Particular attention is given to the development of Arkadag Smart City, a new urban centre built using advanced architectural, engineering and digital technologies.
Together, Ashgabat and Arkadag represent a new model of integrated urban development, combining architectural excellence, technological innovation and sustainable infrastructure.
Objectives of the Forum
White City Ashgabat 2026 aims to provide a high-level international platform for dialogue, investment cooperation and knowledge exchange on the future of urban development.
Key objectives include:
- presenting Ashgabat’s achievements in architecture and urban planning
- discussing priorities for infrastructure modernisation and sustainable city development
- showcasing strategic projects in Ashgabat and the smart city of Arkadag
- promoting international cooperation in architecture, engineering and infrastructure
- attracting investment and advanced technologies to support urban development
- strengthening dialogue between government institutions, international companies and financial organisations.
Key Development Priorities
The forum will focus on priority areas shaping the next stage of Ashgabat’s development.
These include:
Urban Infrastructure Modernisation
- development of transport systems and road networks
- modernisation of municipal engineering systems
- expansion of water, energy and utility infrastructure.
Construction and Architecture
- advanced construction technologies
- sustainable architectural design
- localisation of building materials production.
Smart Cities and Digital Infrastructure
- digital urban management systems
- smart mobility and transport solutions
- integrated digital infrastructure.
Energy and Sustainable Development
- energy-efficient buildings
- renewable energy integration in urban systems
- sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Industrial and Gas-Chemical Development
- expansion of industrial clusters
- development of construction materials industries
- integration of energy and industrial infrastructure projects.
These sectors offer significant opportunities for international investors, engineering companies and technology providers.
International Investment Opportunities
Turkmenistan is implementing a long-term programme aimed at modernising infrastructure, diversifying the economy and strengthening international investment cooperation.
Priority investment areas include:
- transport and logistics infrastructure
- engineering and municipal systems
- smart city technologies and digital infrastructure
- sustainable construction solutions
- energy and gas-chemical industries
- industrial and technology clusters.
White City Ashgabat 2026 provides international companies with a platform to present technologies, explore investment opportunities and establish partnerships with government institutions and project developers.
Forum Format
The forum will combine strategic dialogue with practical industry engagement.
The programme will include:
International Exhibition
Showcasing technologies and solutions in:
- architecture and construction
- urban infrastructure
- smart city technologies
- transport systems
- energy and industrial technologies.
High-Level Conference
Plenary and thematic sessions addressing:
- urban development strategy “Ashgabat 2045”
- infrastructure investment models
- smart city technologies
- sustainable architecture and construction
- energy systems for modern cities.
Business Meetings
Structured B2B and B2G meetings with ministries, city authorities and project developers.
These meetings provide participants with direct access to decision-makers responsible for infrastructure and investment projects.
International Participation
White City Ashgabat traditionally attracts participants from more than 30 countries, including:
- government institutions
- international organisations
- financial institutions
- engineering and construction companies
- architecture and urban planning firms
- technology providers
- investment funds
The upcoming forum is expected to bring together over 500 delegates, strengthening its role as a regional platform for professional dialogue and investment cooperation.
Expected Outcomes
White City Ashgabat 2026 is expected to facilitate:
- new international investment partnerships
- technology exchange and knowledge sharing
- presentation of strategic infrastructure projects
- signing of cooperation agreements.
Following the previous edition of the forum, several major agreements were announced, including infrastructure modernisation projects and industrial investments supporting Turkmenistan’s economic development.
The 2026 forum aims to further strengthen Ashgabat’s position as a regional centre for architecture, infrastructure development and international cooperation.
Organisers
The event is organised by:
Ashgabat City Administration
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan
Relevant ministries and state institutions of Turkmenistan
Co-organiser:
Turkmen Energy Forum (TEF)
