The 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, marking the first time the event is hosted in the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia since ICOM’s founding in 1946. More than 4,500 museum professionals, cultural leaders, and creatives from over 130 nations have convened for the week-long hybrid summit themed “The Future of Museums in a Rapidly Changing World.”
Running until November 17, the conference aims to shape global dialogue amid social, technological, and environmental change. Sub-themes focus on safeguarding intangible heritage, empowering youth, and using new technologies to transform museums into inclusive spaces of learning and innovation.
Opening remarks were delivered by ICOM President Emma Nardi, Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Chairperson of the Organising Committee, and Nasir Al Darmaki, Chair of ICOM UAE. In a message ahead of the launch, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said: “This edition will inspire the world and mark a new milestone in the event’s seven-decade history.” Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, added: “With your support and teamwork, we move forward to deliver an exceptional experience reaffirming Dubai’s position as a global hub for cultural dialogue and heritage preservation.”
Hala Badri said the conference marks “a milestone in Dubai’s cultural journey, reflecting its capacity to lead the international dialogue on the future of museums.” She added that it will “bring together more than 4,500 participants, 400 speakers, and 26 international committees” with “over 100 sessions, workshops, and 47 cultural tours across the UAE.”Intangible heritage, technology, and youth engagement are the event’s core pillars. “They embody our shared commitment to preserving living practices, empowering youth as drivers of innovation, and harnessing digital transformation and AI to create inclusive cultural experiences,” Badri said.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, ICOM Dubai 2025 combines in-person and virtual sessions. The programme features keynotes, panels, and masterclasses on museum ethics, innovation, and community engagement, along with heritage tours and networking events across the UAE.Special focus days include International Committees Day on November 15 and conservation sessions from November 12 to 14, exploring preservation strategies in a time of rapid change.