UITP Summit Heads to Dubai in 2026: First Time Outside Europe

UITP’s 2026 Dubai Summit, April 21-23, anticipates 8,000+ experts. This annual event, outside Europe for the first time, targets MENA’s growing transport market.

January 21, 2026 11:39 am

🛑 Key Takeaways:

The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) will hold its 2026 Summit in Dubai from April 21-23, shifting to a new annual format.
The event expects to draw over 8,000 industry experts, 300 exhibitors, and 300 speakers, building on the 2025 Hamburg edition which attracted 262 journalists from 32 countries.
The location marks the first time the annual summit will be held outside Europe, reflecting increased public transport investment in the MENA region.

DUBAI, UAE – The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) has confirmed its 2026 Global Public Transport Summit will take place in Dubai from April 21-23. Co-hosted with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the event transitions the summit to an annual schedule and marks its first staging outside Europe under the new format. It is Dubai’s first time hosting the event in 15 years.

Category	Specification / Detail
Event	2026 UITP Global Public Transport Summit
Dates	April 21-23, 2026
Location	Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Key Stakeholders	UITP, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
Projected Attendance	8,000+ industry experts
Projected Participation	300+ international exhibitors, 300+ global speakers
Previous Press Attendance	262 journalists from 32 countries (2025 Hamburg Summit)

Operational & Technical Details

The 2026 summit program is structured around six specific industry tracks. These focus areas provide the framework for all congress sessions and technical visits. The designated tracks are: Shared Mobility, The Human Factor, Innovation in Bus Systems, The Future of Rail, Funding and Financing, and Smart Technologies and Data. The event will also commemorate the 140th anniversary of the UITP Summit’s history. The new annual format replaces the previous biennial schedule.

Market Impact Analysis

Holding the summit in Dubai signals a strategic pivot for UITP. The move outside of its traditional European base aligns with what the organization identifies as a “clear paradigm shift towards more public transport” in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. By partnering with the Dubai RTA, UITP aims to capitalize on significant regional investments in transport infrastructure. This positions the annual summit as a key platform for global suppliers and operators looking to engage with high-growth MENA markets.

FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the UITP 2026 Summit?

It is a global event for the urban mobility and public transport industry, hosted by UITP and the Dubai RTA. It will feature over 300 exhibitors and 300 speakers.

When and where will the summit be held?

The summit is scheduled for April 21-23, 2026, in Dubai, UAE.