Dubai will welcome the world’s museum community next November as it hosts the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the largest global gathering of museum professionals.
Taking place from 11 to 17 November 2025 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event marks the first time the prestigious conference will be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region.
Held under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” the conference will open with a keynote address by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Her remarks will set the stage for a week of discussions on how museums can preserve collective memory while embracing innovation and cultural transformation.
The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including Reem Al Hashimy, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Noura Al Kaabi, Rakan Al Touq, Krista Pikkat from UNESCO, artist El Anatsui, architect Sumayya Vally, and Kamini Sawhney, Founding Director of the Museum of Art & Photography in India.
Alongside keynote sessions, the conference will host forums, masterclasses, and interactive workshops exploring themes such as youth engagement, intangible heritage preservation, and the use of technology in reimagining museum experiences.
Organised by the ICOM Dubai Committee in collaboration with national partners including Dubai Culture, Expo City Dubai, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event underscores the UAE’s growing global influence in culture, heritage, and the creative economy.
Established in 1946, ICOM represents more than 60,000 members across 139 countries, serving as a vital network for advancing the future of museums worldwide.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
