A city that exemplifies rapid urban and cultural transformation, Dubai offers a resonant backdrop for the dialogue on museums’ adaptability and future relevance. Over the past few decades, this emirate has seen sweeping changes in its urban identity, mirrored by rapid development in its creative and cultural sectors—all while preserving its distinctive heritage.

In hosting ICOM for the first time in the region, Dubai is positioning itself at the frontier of museum innovation. As noted by the chairperson of the organising committee, “Driven by its bold aspirations and deep cultural foundations, Dubai continues to enrich the global cultural landscape, celebrating diversity, championing inclusion, and positioning itself as a meeting point for creative minds from every corner of the world.”

Her Excellency Hala Badri, who also serves as director general of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, explained that the event will be a catalyst for high-level cultural exchange: “Hosting ICOM Dubai 2025 reflects the emirate’s unique ability to bring together global experts and emerging voices to explore the evolving role of museums. Together, we will examine how museums can preserve heritage, ignite innovation and inspire dialogue across communities.”

The keynote address will be delivered by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, a driving force behind the city’s burgeoning creative economy. Other notable speakers include Emma Nardi, President of ICOM; Kamini Sawhney, Director of the Museum of Art and Photography in Bengaluru; and Sumayya Vally, Principal of the South Africa-based research studio Counterspace.

The conference programme is anchored in three central themes: intangible heritage, youth power, and new technologies. Attendees can expect a rich blend of panel discussions, immersive heritage tours across the United Arab Emirates and beyond, and a celebratory opening event at Expo City Dubai.

A highlight alongside the proceedings will be the Museum Fair at the Dubai World Trade Center, a networking hub where museum professionals will showcase their ongoing projects and institution-building efforts. This space aims to connect museums working in diverse contexts—often outside traditional power centers—to share innovative solutions and common challenges.

Founded in 1946, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) now includes more than 57,000 members in 129 countries, encompassing curators, conservators, educators, and other vital contributors to museum life. The 26th edition of this triennial event was hosted in Prague in 2023.

Dubai’s hosting of ICOM represents not only geographic firsts, but a reinvigoration of the museum’s purpose as a vessel of shared memory, forward-thinking innovation, and global cultural synergy.

Team V.DIR-EM-UAE