Representatives of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), one of the world’s leading architecture and design practices, are expected to participate in the 25th International Exhibition and Conference White City Ashgabat 2026, taking place on 24–25 May 2026 in the capital of Turkmenistan.

Held under the theme “Architecture • Innovation • Sustainable Development”, the anniversary edition of White City Ashgabat will bring together government institutions, international organisations, investors, developers, architects, engineering companies and urban development experts. The event will focus on sustainable urban transformation, modern infrastructure, digital solutions and the long-term vision for Ashgabat 2045.

This year, more than 100 companies from 25 countries are expected to participate in the conference, reflecting strong international interest in the upcoming anniversary edition. Beyond serving as a forum for professional dialogue, the event also acts as a practical platform for advancing investment initiatives, sharing best practices and strengthening mutually beneficial international partnerships.

The participation of Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) adds a strong international dimension to this year’s programme. Founded by Dame Zaha Hadid, the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the studio is globally recognised for its pioneering architectural language, combining advanced design, engineering innovation and bold urban imagination.

Across the Middle East, Central Asia and other strategically important markets, ZHA has delivered landmark projects that have become defining symbols of modern city development. In Dubai, The Opus has become one of the city’s most recognisable architectural landmarks, reflecting the studio’s distinctive approach to form, spatial identity and mixed-use design. In Sharjah, the BEEAH Headquarters has set a new benchmark for sustainable workplace architecture in the region, combining advanced environmental performance with future-oriented corporate design.

In Saudi Arabia, the studio’s portfolio includes the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh, where architecture, climate responsiveness and institutional functionality are integrated into a highly sophisticated research environment. The King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station further demonstrates the firm’s capabilities in large-scale mobility and urban infrastructure, serving as a major transport gateway within Riyadh’s expanding metropolitan network.

The firm’s regional relevance is further reinforced by projects such as the Al-Jada Sales Center and Masterplan in Sharjah, conceived as a major urban central park intervention and cultural entertainment placemaking landmark, and the Al Khuwair Muscat Downtown and Waterfront Development in Oman, a large-scale masterplan focused on regeneration, connectivity and sustainable urban growth.

For Central Asia, particular attention is focused on the Alisher Navoi International Scientific Research Centre in New Tashkent, Uzbekistan - a significant cultural and educational development that reflects the studio’s growing engagement across the region and its ability to translate national identity into contemporary architectural form.

These projects demonstrate the studio’s ability to combine architecture with national identity, cultural expression, sustainability and long-term urban value creation — themes that strongly resonate with the agenda of White City Ashgabat 2026.

The upcoming forum will also feature a high-level roundtable with United Nations entities and international development partners, creating a direct link between global urban policy and practical implementation in Turkmenistan. As Ashgabat continues to develop as a modern, sustainable and technologically advanced capital, the participation of globally recognised practices such as ZHA will contribute to professional dialogue, knowledge exchange and broader international visibility for the event.

White City Ashgabat 2026 is expected to further strengthen its role as a leading regional platform for architecture, construction, infrastructure, urban innovation and investment cooperation. The involvement of ZHA will provide an opportunity for Turkmen professionals and business representatives to engage with one of the world’s foremost design practices and explore how visionary architecture can support the next generation of urban transformation.

This year, the geography of participation continues to expand. More than 100 delegates from 25 countries have already registered, clearly reflecting strong global interest in the upcoming anniversary edition. The event serves not only as a forum for discussion, but also as an effective mechanism for promoting investment initiatives, sharing best practices, and strengthening mutually beneficial international partnerships.

Registration for in-person participation remains open until 17 May 2026. Further information is available via the official event organisers.