We now have the number of tourists and visitors to Lublin for the first half of 2024. The city was visited by over 810,000 people, including 240,000 international guests. This marks the highest proportion of foreign visitors ever recorded in this period.

On July 16th, 2024, a significant bilateral meeting took place at the Lublin City Hall, located at Spokojna 2, between Dr. Krzysztof Żuk, Mayor of #Lublin, and His Excellency Sheikh Duaij Bin Hamad Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

New services are now available for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The northern part of the Szerokie district, almost the entire area of Sławinek and Sławin, as well as nearly the entire Jastków Municipality, are being equipped with devices to collect information on the location of these aircraft. The current locations of drones flying over Lublin can also be checked through a special application provided by the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP) called CoTuLata. These new solutions are being developed as part of the "Digital Services for UAVs" project.

"Green Networks" is the name of a project being implemented by the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin in collaboration with the Lublin City Council. On 28th June 2024, the first meeting took place, facilitating knowledge exchange between partners and planning further actions. This marks another collaboration between the city and the academic community to ensure sustainable development in Lublin.

Foodcom S.A.'s branch in Lublin has achieved impressive financial results! A global trading company, Foodcom S.A. has experienced significant growth at its Lublin branch. Within just one year, the branch has achieved a total turnover of 10 million euros. This not only represents satisfying growth but also serves as evidence of the effectiveness of the company's expansion.

All nine universities in Lublin have committed to collaborating to secure the title of European Capital of Culture 2029. On Thursday, June 20th, the rectors and the Mayor of Lublin signed letters of intent, affirming their dedication to continuing efforts that support the cultural contribution to the city's long-term development. This collective initiative strengthens Lublin's position in the competition and underscores the unity and strength of Lublin's academic community, speaking with one voice.

On June 12-13, 2024, the MAKING-CITY EU project concluded with an inspiring Innovation Camp event held at the Energy Barn - a modern, sustainably built facility near the Hanze EnTranCe Energy Expertise Center.

Energy efficiency and youth policy initiatives in Lublin have earned recognition in this year's edition of the "Innovative Local Government 2024" competition. The city took second and third place for its implemented projects.

The series of meetings "May with the Family Foundation" is slowly coming to an end. However, together with our partners – Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Lublin Business Club, GWLAW, and the Foundation of the Polish Academy of Sciences – we invite you to participate in the initiative where experts in economics, law, and management will answer questions about family foundations and support for family businesses.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the largest medical cluster in Poland - the Lublin Medicine Cluster. On this occasion, a jubilee Gala took place on Monday (March 18).

In 28 primary schools, high schools, and vocational schools across the Lublin region, a pilot program is set to launch, introducing innovative teaching methods under the banner of "Lublin – Educational Future of IT." This initiative stands as Poland's largest endeavour, blending creativity in implementing computer science curriculum with a focus on cybersecurity awareness and scientific inquiry. Partnering with the program in Lublin is CyberSkiller, a firm that has garnered honorary patronage from the National Research Institute NASK.

More frequent public transportation services, the purchase of 100 buses, including hydrogen and hybrid ones, express lines connecting the city, additional carriers at Lublin Station, as well as new electric bicycles, expansion, and modernization of bike paths and roads. Lublin City is introducing solutions to make getting around the city more efficient, regardless of the mode of transportation.

The first day of the 9th edition of the Check IT conference, held on March 5th, has drawn to a close. Once again, Check IT attracted participants from Lublin and across Poland, solidifying its status as one of the most significant free IT events for young technology enthusiasts. The day, themed "Inspiring Passion for IT," was packed with a diverse array of lectures and workshops tailored to students who are soon to make decisions about their future careers. The event was enhanced by the presence of artificial intelligence, which took on the role of the host and guided the proceedings.

The investment potential of Eastern Poland is on the rise, exemplified by Lublin's achievement of an overall score of 7.1/10 in this year's Business Environment Assessment Study (BEAS). The high ratings bestowed upon the city by investors stem from its status as one of Poland's leading academic centres, fostering the development of entrepreneurship and new technologies through incubators. Lublin consistently executes a strategy aimed at drawing companies from the IT sector and modern business services such as BPO/SSC. The burgeoning trend of nearshoring further propels the prospects for the city's dynamic development. Its strategic location near the borders with Ukraine and Belarus, coupled with robust transportation infrastructure, positions it as a pivotal logistics base for companies targeting Eastern European markets.

Close to 1.6 million travellers visited our city in 2023. That's a 65% increase in domestic guests and a staggering sevenfold increase in international arrivals compared to 2022. The city has achieved another record, and the tourism industry continues to thrive.

Forbes, a prestigious business magazine in Poland, has recently released its annual 'Forbes Diamonds' ranking, spotlighting the fastest-growing companies that have significantly contributed to the Polish economy over the past three years. The ranking enjoys a reputation as one of the most accurate and reliable on the market.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary in Lublin, Capgemini, a key player in the consulting and technology sector, has announced ambitious plans for team expansion. The Lublin office, quickly establishing itself as a vital part of Capgemini's global network, currently employs nearly 200 people. The company is now gearing up to hire an additional 50 IT support specialists who will be tasked with working in IT infrastructure and providing support to international clients.

Two urban projects, "Let's Imagine Lublin Together" and "School Civic Budgets," are finalists in the European competition, The Innovation in Politics Awards 2024, in the Democracy category. The jury, consisting of 1086 European citizens, recognized Lublin's participatory actions as an outstanding example of political innovation in Europe. Out of 334 submissions from 26 different countries, with 314 deemed qualifying, two projects from Lublin made it among the top ten in their category.

The Lublin Metropolitan Station has won this year's edition of the Property Design Awards 2024. By the decision of the jury and the readers of the portal, it received an award in the category of "Structure – Public Facilities."

SDS Optic – a member of the Lublin Medicine Cluster – is commencing operations at a new R&D centre in the United States. On January 16, 2024, its subsidiary, SDS Optic Inc., signed an agreement with BioLabs Philadelphia LLC to lease office and laboratory space. BioLabs provides SDS Optic Inc. with flexible leasing terms, comprehensive equipment, and operational support services during experimental work.

The modern and largest communication center for the city and region, Lublin Metropolitan Station, was officially opened today, January 12, and welcomed its first passengers. On this occasion, Open Days with attractions for residents were also organized. Lublin Metropolitan Station is a strategic investment of recent years, realized with the participation of European funds.