The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announces RISE – Global Real Estate Investment Summit & Expo 2026, set to take place from January 13-15, 2026, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai. This landmark event will unite the world’s leading real estate investors, developers, policymakers, and technology innovators to drive the next wave of global urban development.
Table of Contents
Connecting Global Capital with Innovation
RISE has established itself as a premier platform dedicated to urban development and real estate investment, attracting institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, asset managers, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), and industry pioneers from across the globe. The 2026 edition promises to be the most comprehensive gathering yet, with over 15,000 visitors, 350+ exhibitors, and representatives from 30+ countries expected to attend.
“RISE serves as a catalyst for smart city innovation and sustainable urban growth,” said organizers at DWTC. “This event plays a vital role for stakeholders aiming to drive meaningful change in the global real estate landscape.”
Record-Breaking Participation and Industry Leadership
The summit will feature an impressive lineup of more than 100 industry experts and thought leaders, including representatives from BlackRock, Temasek Holdings Singapore, Dubai Holding Investments, Brookfield, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Notable speakers include:
- Lakshmi Narayanan, Chairman, Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (SWFI)
- James Wilkinson, Global Head, Infrastructure and Real Estate Securities, BlackRock
- Chua Tiow Chye, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, Mapletree Investments (Temasek Holdings Singapore)
- Jad Ellawn, Managing Partner, Regional Head of the Middle East, Brookfield
- Patrick Bauer, Head of Real Estate and Investor Director, Emirates Investment Authority
The event will also showcase 50+ innovative start-ups presenting cutting-edge solutions in PropTech, sustainable development, and urban infrastructure, while over 150 top-tier investors will participate in exclusive deal-making sessions.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Success
RISE 2026 has secured high-profile partnerships across government and private sectors. Modon joins as Diamond Sponsor, while DubaiLand Department (DLD) serves as Strategic Government Partner. The event has also partnered with the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, Portuguese Business Council, RICS, AIA Middle East, and ValuStrat as Knowledge Partner, among others.
These partnerships underscore RISE’s position as a bridge between government bodies, private sector players, and innovators, fostering collaboration that drives sustainable urban development and smart city initiatives.
Comprehensive Three-Day Programme
Day 1: Global Real Estate Investment Summit (January 13)
The opening day features an intensive schedule of fireside chats, panel discussions, and networking opportunities running from 10:40 AM to 4:30 PM. Sessions will explore investment strategies, market outlooks, and the latest trends in luxury real estate and hospitality sectors. A special RISE Investor Day, held in partnership with SWFI, will facilitate bespoke investor meetings and exclusive networking in dedicated VIP and investor lounges.
Day 2: Market Insights and Tokenization Workshop (January 14)
Morning sessions will deep-dive into critical topics including:
- Global investment trends and real estate hotspots
- Digital assets and tokenization in real estate
- ESG and sustainable development practices
- Macroeconomic and geopolitical impacts on real estate markets
- Taxation, regulation trends, and governance best practices
- Innovation in real estate finance
The afternoon features an exclusive workshop on the tokenization of real estate, offering participants an opportunity to explore how blockchain technology is revolutionizing property investment through fractional ownership and digital tokens.
Day 3: Technology, Innovation, and Sustainability (January 15)
The final day focuses on the intersection of technology and sustainable development. Morning sessions cover:
- Fintech and digital transformation in real estate investment
- Artificial intelligence and its role in infrastructure development
- Smart cities leveraging IoT, blockchain, and data analytics
- Digital infrastructure opportunities in data centers, 5G networks, and e-mobility
- PropTech innovations in property management, construction technologies, and virtual reality applications
Afternoon sessions shift to sustainability and ESG considerations, addressing:
- Green buildings and net-zero targets as investment drivers
- ESG integration and regulatory trends
- Climate resilience and adaptation strategies
- Private infrastructure’s role in energy transition
Five Strategic Pillars Defining RISE
The summit is built on five core objectives that define its mission:
- Connecting Global Capital: Linking international investors with groundbreaking real estate projects and emerging technologies
- Accelerating Smart City Development: Driving sustainable urban infrastructure and intelligent city planning
- Fostering Strategic Partnerships: Building bridges between governments, private sector entities, and innovation ecosystems
- Promoting Industry Innovation: Advancing PropTech, hospitality, finance, and urban planning sectors
- Enabling Knowledge Exchange: Providing platforms for deal-making, thought leadership, and industry collaboration
Registration and Participation
Industry professionals, investors, developers, and innovators interested in attending RISE 2026 can find more information and register at www.riseexpo.com. The website provides details on exhibition opportunities, sponsorship packages, speaking slots, and networking programmes.
For general inquiries, contact [email protected] or follow RISE on social media platforms including Twitter (@riseexpo), LinkedIn (RISE Expo), and Instagram (@riseexpo) for the latest updates and announcements.
