Dubai to host 28th Universal Postal Congress with 192 nations
Delegates to elect UPU leadership for upcoming cycle
DUBAI is set to welcome the 28th Universal Postal Congress from 8th to 19th September 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The gathering will bring together high-level delegations from all 192 member states of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialised United Nations agency for the global postal sector. More than 2,000 participants are expected to attend in person, with additional delegates joining virtually.
Hosting the Congress highlights the UAE’s role as an international hub for logistics, trade and innovation, and its commitment to strengthening cross-border collaboration in a sector that is undergoing rapid transformation.
What is Universal Postal Congress?
The Universal Postal Congress, held every four years, is the supreme decision-making authority of the UPU. It brings together ministers, heads of national postal institutions and leading figures from both the public and private sectors.
This year’s edition comes at a time when the postal system is reshaping itself in response to the explosive growth of eCommerce, the acceleration of digitalisation, and rising demands for speed, reliability and cybersecurity. The Congress will deliberate on and adopt the UPU’s new four-year roadmap, known as the ‘Dubai Strategy’.
How will Dubai Strategy shape the sector?
Delegations will focus on the 2026-2029 plan, which will guide the future of postal and logistics services worldwide. The ‘Dubai Strategy’ will emphasise digital integration, innovation-led collaborations, and the adoption of unified global standards. Alongside strategy approval, the Congress will elect the UPU Director General, Deputy Director General, and new members for the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council, which will implement decisions and policies.
Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Supreme Supervision & Preparation Committee for the Congress, said the UAE remains committed to shaping an “integrated international ecosystem” that fosters communication and dialogue. He linked the event to the country’s broader ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, noting that since joining the UPU in 1973, the UAE has consistently advanced postal innovation, data governance and financial inclusion.
What outcomes are expected?
The Congress is projected to deliver a comprehensive range of outcomes across the global postal system. These include:
- Updates to postal products and remuneration mechanisms.
- Higher quality standards for service delivery.
- Stronger collaboration between postal operators and ecosystem partners.
- Development of postal financial services to support inclusion.
- Enhanced measures for sustainability and the energy transition.
- New frameworks for cybersecurity and data protection.
Badr Al-Olama, Honorary Chair of the Congress and Chairman of the Board of Directors of 7X, emphasised the importance of the event as “the primary platform for channelling international efforts towards a more inclusive, secure and efficient postal and logistics system”. He noted that the ‘Dubai Strategy’ would enhance experiences for individuals and businesses by promoting digital integration and harmonised practices worldwide.
The Congress is hosted by the UAE Government in cooperation with federal and local authorities, as well as regulatory and service partners, ensuring smooth organisation and an integrated regulatory environment.