BESTCITIES Global Alliance is moving its flagship Global Forum from Dubai to Cape Town as tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt travel plans and conferences in the region.
The 2027 edition of the forum, which marks the alliance’s 10th anniversary, will now be held in the South African city in January, having originally been planned for Dubai, a longstanding partner within the alliance network.
Without citing the conflict between the United States and Iran centred around the Strait of Hormuz, and following US-Israeli missile attacks, a spokesperson for BestCities Global Alliance said the relocation was taken “following careful consideration of regional developments”.
The relocation was described as a precautionary measure rather than a break in ties with the emirate. The alliance added that its relationship with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism remained “strong and productive” with future programmes already under discussion.
Cape Town will host what organisers describe as a milestone edition of the forum, bringing together association leaders under the theme “Connected by Purpose: Global Perspectives, Shared Values”.
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Scheduled to take place January 21-24, the forum is expected to place Cape Town – and South Africa – at the centre of discussions on the future role of international associations and the destinations that compete to host their events.
Commenting on the move, Loren Christie, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance, said: “As we look ahead to the 10th anniversary of the Global Forum, we’re thrilled to bring this milestone edition to Cape Town, a destination that offers both exceptional capability and a powerful sense of place. The Forum is a special event that brings together a unique set of global perspectives. I can’t think of a better destination than Cape Town to host this marquee event.”
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The BestCities spokesperson said Cape Town’s selection reflected the city’s positioning in the global meetings market, combining established infrastructure with experience in hosting large-scale international events. The alliance cited the city’s accessibility, infrastructure and track record, as well as its appeal to organisations seeking outcomes beyond the immediate event itself.
Wrenelle Stander, chief executive of Wesgro – a trade and investment promotion body – and spokesperson for the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau, said: “Cape Town and the Western Cape is honoured to host the BestCities Global Forum. This prestigious event underscores our strong commitment to the association sector and the vital role that business events play in strengthening our knowledge economy, advancing key industries, and creating meaningful benefits for our communities.
As the leading convention destination in Africa, Cape Town takes the association market seriously and continues to invest in creating impactful, globally relevant meetings. We look forward to providing not only a world-class setting, but also an inspiring environment for productive dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.”
– Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro
While Dubai remains a key partner for BestCities, the shift to Cape Town for this anniversary edition illustrates how even established event destinations are being the current US-Israel-Iran tensions.
Further details of the Global Forum programme are expected in the coming months.
