Dubai is set to make cultural history as it hosts the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, unveiling a high-profile lineup of speakers for the November 2025 gathering.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the event will run from 11–17 November under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.” It will convene museum professionals, cultural leaders, and innovators to explore new approaches shaping the global museum landscape.
The programme will spotlight three central themes: intangible heritage, youth empowerment, and new technologies. A keynote address by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, will headline the sessions, reflecting her role in advancing Dubai’s cultural and creative economy.
Other notable speakers include Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee; Emma Nardi, President of ICOM; Kamini Sawhney, Director of Bengaluru’s Museum of Art & Photography; and Sumayya Vally, principal of the South Africa-based architecture studio Counterspace.
Alongside keynote sessions, the week-long event will feature panel discussions, cultural activations, nationwide tours, and a dynamic Museum Fair, offering delegates an immersive look into the UAE’s cultural ecosystem.
Hala Badri highlighted the conference as a “global platform for knowledge exchange and partnership building,” while ICOM President Emma Nardi described it as the organisation’s flagship event, marking a milestone in regional cultural engagement.
Registration is now open for professionals, students, and culture enthusiasts.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
