Smart Cities Council is strengthening its engagement across the Middle East in September, returning to Dubai for AIM Congress 2026 and bringing together innovators, investors, government and industry through the SCC Pavilion and Middle East Discovery Week.

From 7–9 September 2026, Smart Cities Council (SCC) will once again partner with AIM Congress in Dubai, connecting its global community with one of the world’s leading platforms for investment, innovation and international collaboration.

AIM Congress brings together government leaders, investors, technology innovators and industry decision-makers from around the world, creating a powerful environment for organisations seeking investment, partnerships, new markets and opportunities for international growth.

For 2026, SCC is expanding its involvement beyond the Congress itself, creating multiple ways for members, partners and innovative organisations to participate — from exhibiting and connecting through the Smart Cities Council Pavilion to joining SCC’s Middle East Discovery Week for a deeper exploration of the UAE's rapidly growing innovation and investment ecosystem.

Connecting the SCC community at AIM Congress

The Smart Cities Council Pavilion will provide a dedicated meeting and engagement point throughout AIM Congress, bringing together SCC members, partners, government, investors and industry.

Organisations can participate through a range of options, including dedicated exhibition space, shared hot desks and digital participation, providing different levels of brand visibility, media exposure, lead generation and access to the SCC network. SCC members receive preferential participation rates.

The Pavilion is designed to do more than create visibility on the exhibition floor. It provides a platform for organisations working across smart cities, AI, infrastructure, digital twins, robotics, energy, cybersecurity, mobility, climate tech and deep tech to build relationships and explore opportunities across the region.

From attending an event to understanding a market

Alongside AIM Congress, SCC's Middle East Discovery Week takes that engagement further.

Designed for founders, scaleups, industry leaders, investors, academics, government and economic development organisations, the program provides direct exposure to the innovation, investment and business ecosystem of Dubai, the UAE and the broader Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.

Hosted in conjunction with AIM Congress, Discovery Week combines participation in the Congress with targeted briefings, market-entry discussions, ecosystem engagement and networking.

Delegates will engage with Free Zone authorities, government, trade and investment agencies, investors and industry leaders to better understand what it takes to enter, operate and scale within the region.

The program is particularly relevant for organisations considering the UAE as a base for international expansion, providing insight into regulatory frameworks, Free Zone opportunities, incentives and establishment pathways while helping participants identify potential customers, partners, investors and commercial opportunities.

Connect. Scale. Expand.

At the heart of Discovery Week is a simple objective: helping organisations move from interest in the Middle East to informed, practical engagement.

Delegates will have opportunities to participate in Free Zone and market-entry briefings, government engagement, strategic scaling and commercialisation workshops, SCC networking activities and connections with regional and global ecosystem leaders.

The program includes direct engagement with organisations such as the World Free Zone Organization and International Free Zone Authority, providing insight into establishing regional headquarters, accessing incentives and support, accelerating corporate establishment and developing local partnerships and customer networks.

Each Discovery Week delegate also receives access to AIM Congress, opening the door to global investment forums, industry conferences and panels, investor meetings, government and economic development engagements, startup and scaleup showcases and strategic partnership opportunities.

A week of access, insight and connection

The wider program begins with arrival and orientation on Sunday 6 September, before delegates move into a combination of AIM Congress participation, market briefings, VIP sessions, tours and networking opportunities throughout the week.

Indicative activities include briefings with the World Free Zone Organization, Middle East market insights, market-entry and scaling discussions, an International Free Zone Authority tour, Dubai Digital Oasis and SCC and industry networking events. The program is subject to change as further engagements are confirmed.

For technology companies and innovators looking internationally, the UAE offers a strategic gateway to markets across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, alongside access to global investors, business-friendly regulatory environments, advanced infrastructure and government-led innovation initiatives. Dubai has also positioned itself as an important global hub for AI, smart infrastructure and future cities.

Together, AIM Congress, the SCC Pavilion and Middle East Discovery Week provide three complementary opportunities: global visibility, high-value connections and practical market insight.

Whether the objective is to showcase a solution, identify investment, develop partnerships, explore market entry or understand where the next international growth opportunity could come from, SCC's September program provides a pathway to connect with the people and organisations shaping one of the world's most dynamic innovation ecosystems.

Get involved

Join the SCC Pavilion at AIM Congress 2026
7–9 September 2026 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Explore participation opportunities:
https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/AIMCongress1

Join the Middle East Discovery Week
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | September 2026

Discover the program and register your interest:
https://events.smartcitiescouncil.com/MiddleEastDiscoveryTour

Connect. Scale. Expand.