Tehran will host the seventh Iran Smart City Exhibition and Conference from October 31 to November 2, bringing together experts and stakeholders in urban development.
The three-day event will open on October 31, coinciding with World Cities Day. Moreover, organizers will focus on emerging technologies and practical solutions for smarter urban management.
Artificial intelligence will feature prominently throughout this year’s conference. Additionally, sessions will examine AI applications in urban management, security and crisis response.
Other discussions will explore AI’s role in citizen health, smart governance and the urban economy. Additionally, experts will also examine environmental protection and sustainable energy through smart technologies.
The conference will address citizen participation and the development of smart public services. These discussions aim to connect technology with everyday urban needs.
The exhibition will showcase new technologies and innovations in the smart city sector. It will also introduce emerging concepts in urban structures, design and digital city development.
Organizers aim to improve urban and rural living conditions through sustainable smart city solutions. Therefore, they will examine construction challenges and discuss scientific approaches to addressing them.
The event will create opportunities for cooperation between Iran and other countries. Participants can exchange experiences and examine successful smart city projects from around the world.
Urban managers, researchers, industrialists, technology experts and knowledge-based companies will participate. The exhibition will provide a platform for networking and developing new partnerships. Meanwhile, organizers have set October 20 as the deadline for submitting research papers.
The event coincides with World Cities Day, which takes place annually on October 31. The global observance began in 2014 and promotes international cooperation on sustainable urban development. The 2026 global observance will take place in Fuzhou, China, under the theme “Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All.”
The theme highlights urban regeneration as a way to expand access to adequate housing. It also focuses on creating inclusive and climate-resilient neighborhoods.
Cities face growing pressure from housing costs, aging infrastructure, climate risks and social inequality. Global estimates indicate that up to 3.4 billion people lack adequate housing, secure tenure, basic services or affordable living conditions.
Therefore, the 2026 observance will promote integrated approaches that connect affordable housing with public spaces, infrastructure and climate resilience.
It will also emphasize community participation and safeguards against displacement. The goal is to ensure that existing residents benefit from urban improvements.
World Cities Day 2026 will bring together governments, UN bodies, international organizations, academics, businesses and communities. Events will include thematic forums, exhibitions, side events and city tours from October 31 to November 2.