Dubai Welcomes the 27th ICOM General Conference, the World’s Largest Gathering of Museum Professionals
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) will officially open tomorrow in Dubai. The landmark event—held for the first time in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region—underscores Dubai’s growing influence as a global hub for cultural exchange, dialogue, and innovation.
A Global Platform for Cultural Collaboration
Recognised as the world’s largest gathering of museum professionals, ICOM Dubai 2025 will convene more than 4,500 participants from across the globe, including museum leaders, cultural policymakers, and academics. Under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” the conference explores how museums can adapt to shifting demographic, technological, and environmental realities through creative, inclusive, and sustainable practices.
Exploring Innovation, Heritage, and Youth Empowerment
Organised under the guidance of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, the week-long programme features discussions and workshops around the sub-themes of Youth Empowerment, Intangible Heritage, and New Technologies. These sessions will reimagine museums as participatory spaces for creativity, learning, and cultural connection.
More than 10 keynote sessions, 400 speakers, and over 100 dialogue forums will address global challenges and opportunities in museology. Highlights include:
- “AI and Museums: From Vision to Global Action” with Medea S. Ekner, Director General of ICOM, and Krista Pikkat of UNESCO.
- “Challenging the Familiar: Reinventing Museums” featuring Dr. Peter Magee, Mona Khazindar, Dr. Christian Greco, Mulenga Mpundu Kapwepwe, and Jeyran Umarova.
- “Nature as Partner: The Power of Restoration” led by Marjan Faraidooni, with global sustainability experts contributing from Sweden, Lebanon, and the USA.
Shaping the Future of Museum Practice
ICOM Dubai 2025 will also host sessions on revising the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums, combating illicit trafficking, and unveiling the inaugural ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums—the first global honour recognising innovation and sustainability in the sector.
In addition, the conference will include International Committee sessions representing fields such as conservation, curation, education, and digital innovation. During the closing ceremony, the new ICOM President and Executive Board will be introduced, and the host city for ICOM 2028 will be officially announced.
Dubai’s Role in Global Cultural Leadership
Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, emphasised the event’s transformative potential:
“The conference marks a pivotal moment for the global museum community—a platform uniting thought leaders and cultural visionaries to shape the future of museums. Hosting ICOM 2025 in Dubai recognises our region’s growing role in global cultural dialogue and creativity.”
She added that the focus on intangible heritage, youth, and technology demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to reimagining museums as centres of innovation, learning, and inspiration that strengthen communities and foster creativity.
Voices of Global Museum Leadership
Professor Emma Nardi, President of ICOM, described the conference as the highlight of the organisation’s triennial calendar:
“For the first time, the ICOM General Conference takes place in the MEASA region. It is a historic opportunity for museum professionals to exchange ideas and envision new futures for museums worldwide.”
Medea S. Ekner, Director General of ICOM, added:
“As our field evolves, museums must not only adapt to change but lead it. ICOM Dubai 2025 will strengthen collaboration and explore how museums can become drivers of innovation and social impact.”
Nasir Al Darmaki, Chair of ICOM UAE, highlighted the conference’s significance:
“ICOM Dubai 2025 positions Dubai as a global cultural hub and an incubator for diversity, sustainability, and creativity—reaffirming the city’s leadership in advancing museum innovation and cross-cultural understanding.”
Reinforcing Dubai’s Global Cultural Position
The conference will run alongside the Museum Fair, where more than 100 exhibitors will showcase innovative technologies, creative solutions, and partnership opportunities. Together, these initiatives reaffirm Dubai’s status as a global centre for culture, heritage, and innovation—a city shaping the future of museums for generations to come.
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