Walking through the Palais des Festivals during MIPIM 2026, one impression stood out strongly to me. Portugal was everywhere. The Portuguese presence at the event this year was remarkable not only in size but also in spirit. From municipal leaders and developers to financial institutions, engineering companies, lawyers and consultants, Portugal arrived in Cannes with a broad and confident delegation representing the entire ecosystem of the country’s real estate sector.

One of the most encouraging aspects of this year’s participation was the strong political presence from Portuguese municipalities and regional authorities. Several mayors travelled to Cannes with their teams to present their cities and regions directly to international investors. Among them were representatives from Lisbon, Porto, Gaia and Oeiras who have become regular participants at MIPIM over the years. But the presence extended well beyond the usual metropolitan centres. The Mayor of Coimbra attended the event, demonstrating the city’s growing ambition to attract international investment. Leaders from the regions of Vale do Tejo, Santarém and Abrantes were also present, alongside representatives from the Lezíria do Tejo and other intermunicipal communities. This expanding participation reflects a growing understanding among Portuguese municipalities that international visibility matters. MIPIM is not just a conference. It is a global marketplace where cities compete for attention, capital and strategic partnerships.

The interest shown by international investors toward Portugal was evident throughout the week. In meetings, networking events and informal conversations, Portuguese developers, fund managers and municipal representatives found themselves speaking with investors from across Europe, the Middle East, North America and Asia. Portugal continues to benefit from a reputation that combines economic stability, quality of life and long term growth potential. Many investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional European real estate hubs and exploring markets where opportunities still exist and where cities are willing to collaborate actively with private capital. In this context Portugal stands out as an attractive destination. During the event numerous conversations took place between Portuguese companies and international investors exploring potential partnerships in residential development, logistics, hospitality and mixed use urban regeneration projects. These discussions may begin informally over coffee or a glass of Portuguese wine, but they often become the foundation for concrete investment decisions months later.

Another element that stood out strongly was the pride with which Portuguese participants represented their country. The Portuguese stands were welcoming and lively, often combining professional presentations with elements of Portuguese culture such as food and wine that helped create a warm and open atmosphere for networking. Visitors from other countries frequently stopped to experience the Portuguese hospitality while learning about development opportunities across the country. This combination of professionalism and authenticity is one of Portugal’s strongest assets when presenting itself internationally. It creates an environment where conversations flow naturally and where partnerships can develop in a relaxed but productive setting.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Paulo Lopes;

The diversity of the Portuguese delegation also highlighted the maturity of the country’s real estate sector. Major developers such as VIC Properties, Fidelidade Property and Sonae Sierra were present alongside advisory firms like Savills, Colliers and B. Prime. Financial institutions including Millennium BCP and international advisory firms such as Deloitte, EY and KPMG were also part of the Portuguese contingent. Leading law firms including PLMJ, Vieira de Almeida and Miranda & Associados joined the event as well, reinforcing the impression that Portugal can present itself internationally with a complete professional ecosystem capable of supporting complex investment projects. Engineering companies, construction firms, asset managers and consultants further expanded this representation, demonstrating the breadth of expertise available within the Portuguese market.

MIPIM is also a global event where international developments and geopolitical realities inevitably shape the discussions taking place in corridors and meeting rooms. One of the most impressive presences this year came from Saudi Arabia, which presented two large pavilions showcasing ambitious future developments through detailed architectural models and visual presentations. The scale and ambition of these projects were breathtaking and attracted significant attention from visitors across the real estate world. At the same time geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East were not absent from private conversations between participants. These discussions served as a reminder that real estate markets are deeply connected to global stability and economic conditions. Despite these concerns the general atmosphere remained optimistic. The industry continues to believe strongly in its ability to shape sustainable cities, support economic development and create environments where people and businesses can thrive.

Looking back at MIPIM 2026 it becomes clear that Portugal’s presence was more than symbolic. It was strategic. By bringing together municipalities, developers, investors and advisors, the Portuguese delegation demonstrated that the country is ready to engage with global capital in a coordinated and professional manner. The pride shown by Portuguese representatives, the quality of the conversations and the strong interest from international investors suggest that many of the relationships built during the event will translate into new investments in the months ahead. Foreign direct investment has been one of the key drivers of Portugal’s real estate growth over the past decade and events like MIPIM play an important role in maintaining that momentum. The connections made in Cannes often become the starting point for projects that will shape Portuguese cities in the years to come. MIPIM 2026 therefore represented not only a gathering of the global real estate community but also another important moment for Portugal to present its vision, its opportunities and its ambition on the world stage.