The 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) convened global cultural leaders at the Dubai World Trade Centre today for in-depth discussions on curatorial education, museum ethics, and the evolving role of museums in a rapidly changing world.
Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, opened the sessions by reflecting on Dubai’s cultural journey and its forward-looking vision. She said Dubai continues to shape the future “with confidence, through innovative ideas that redefine museum practice and inform global cultural policy with renewed perspectives.”
Rakan bin Ibrahim Al Touq, Assistant Minister of Culture of Saudi Arabia, delivered a keynote highlighting the Kingdom’s progress in developing its museum ecosystem. “We are building an integrated network connecting national and specialised museums so they become vital anchors in the cultural landscape,” he said, adding that the responsibility extends beyond heritage preservation to actively engaging communities in telling their stories.
Sessions throughout the day examined the intersection of technology, inclusivity, and shifting societal values, with discussions such as “Reframing Power: Whose Stories Do Museums Tell?” and “The Interconnectivity of Life: Opening the Museum to Multi-Species Perspectives.” Experts explored how museums can better represent diverse narratives and adapt to demographic and cultural change.
Workshops and mentoring sessions focused on museum leadership, conservation, visitor experience, and youth engagement. Masterclasses offered young professionals practical training through “Reverse Mentoring” and “Visitor Experience” toolkits.
Alongside the conference, the Museum Fair showcased Emirati heritage through traditional crafts, henna art, and live demonstrations, weaving cultural storytelling with sensory and culinary experiences.