Following our recent updates on SCC’s 2026 Global Events Calendar and the announcement of the SCC Global Pavilion at AIM Congress 2026, we are pleased to introduce an expanded engagement pathway: Middle East Discovery Week.
AIM Congress, taking place 13–15 April 2026 in Dubai, convenes more than 12,000 investors, government and industry leaders from around the world. For SCC members, it represents a powerful platform for global visibility.
Middle East Discovery Week builds on that foundation — offering structured ecosystem exposure alongside participation in AIM Congress.
From Event Participation to Market Understanding
While the SCC Global Pavilion provides exhibition, digital and brand visibility options, Discovery Week is designed for organisations seeking deeper insight into how the UAE and broader Middle East innovation ecosystem operates.
The program provides delegates with:
- Free Zone and regulatory briefings
- Market entry and scaling insights
- Government and ecosystem engagement sessions
- Strategic networking environments
- Exposure to regional innovation leaders and partners
Rather than promising transactional outcomes, the focus is on understanding the environment, building contextual knowledge, and developing informed pathways for future engagement.
Why the UAE?
Dubai and the UAE continue to position themselves as global hubs for AI, smart infrastructure, digital twin, mobility, climate tech and deep tech. The region offers business-friendly regulatory frameworks, Free Zone environments enabling 100% foreign ownership, and strong government-led innovation initiatives.
For companies considering Middle East expansion, this program provides a structured way to explore the ecosystem before making larger commercial commitments.
Two Complementary Pathways at AIM 2026
SCC’s AIM 2026 engagement now offers:
SCC Global Pavilion
For organisations seeking exhibition presence, brand visibility and on-the-ground representation.
Middle East Discovery Week
For organisations seeking market insight, ecosystem exposure and structured engagement across government, Free Zones and industry networks.
Both pathways include premium access to AIM Congress programming and SCC-hosted networking engagements.
Connect | Understand | Position
Middle East Discovery Week reflects SCC’s broader 2026 strategy: helping members enter global markets with greater clarity, credibility and ecosystem alignment.
This is about:
- Understanding regulatory and Free Zone structures
- Exploring partnership landscapes
- Assessing commercial readiness
- Positioning within a high-growth region
- Building relationships within the broader innovation environment
With AIM Congress fast approaching, early confirmation allows SCC to align briefings, coordinate participation and position delegates effectively within the Pavilion and Discovery program.
To express interest or discuss participation, contact: karen.norden@smartcitiescouncil.com
Let’s explore the Middle East opportunity — strategically and together.
About Smart Cities Council
Smart Cities Council is a global network of cities, governments, technology leaders, investors, and solution providers dedicated to enabling city and community transformation through governance, finance, technology, and partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes.
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