Hosted in Dubai for the first time in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended the opening of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025). Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the conference is being hosted in Dubai for the first time in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia under the theme ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.’ The event welcomed over 4,500 museum experts, cultural leaders, and decision-makers from around the world.
The opening day began with an honorary address by HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, who emphasised that the gathering represents a shared vision shaping humanity’s future. Her Highness noted that hosting this global event recognises Dubai’s leading role on the world’s cultural stage: “This extraordinary moment preserves our legacy and rekindles the memories of a path we began with ambition and purpose, whose goals we continue to realise. Dubai is a city that celebrates culture as a foundation for progress.”
Her Highness extended her deepest gratitude to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose visionary leadership illuminated the path to this milestone. “For the UAE,” she said, “towers or skylines do not measure progress, but by the values we hold, the ambitions we share, and the future we build together.”
The programme, curated by the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, featured keynotes by prominent figures, including world-renowned sculptor El Anatsui, Emma Nardi, President of ICOM, and Medea S. Ekner, Director General of ICOM.
The day also witnessed the opening of the Museum Fair, which showcased pioneering projects, and innovations from over 100 institutions worldwide, and included engaging sessions focused on the conference’s themes — Youth Power, New Technologies, and Intangible Heritage — such as ‘AI and Museums: From Vision to Global Action’; ‘Reverse Mentoring: Empowering Youth for Museums and Heritage,’ hosted by the Singapore Heritage Council Youth Committee; “Professional Development for Museum Workers (For Grantees)’; and ‘Strategies for Conservation: Technological Obsolescence.’