Dubai aims to make history as it hosts the first ICOM conference in the Middle East, spotlighting innovation and regional inclusion
Dubai is poised to make cultural history by hosting the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) from 11 to 17 November 2025. This will be the first time the prestigious global event takes place in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region, underscoring Dubai's growing prominence as a cultural hub. The conference is set to convene museum professionals, cultural leaders, and innovators to explore new approaches shaping the future of museums amid rapidly changing communities.
The event will run under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and will focus on three central themes: intangible heritage, youth empowerment, and new technologies. These focal points reflect the evolving role of museums as dynamic institutions that not only safeguard tangible artefacts but also nurture cultural identity, community engagement, and technological innovation in museum practice.
A highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, who is recognised for her leadership in advancing Dubai’s cultural and creative economy. Other distinguished 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 South Africa-based architecture studio Counterspace. This diverse lineup represents a blend of regional and international expertise, spotlighting global trends and local perspectives in museum development.
The week-long programme promises a dynamic and immersive experience for delegates. Alongside keynote sessions and panel discussions addressing key sector challenges and opportunities, the conference will feature cultural activations, nationwide tours, and a vibrant Museum Fair. These elements offer participants direct engagement with the UAE’s rich cultural ecosystem, showcasing how museums are evolving within a rapidly transforming society.
Hala Badri described the conference as a “global platform for knowledge exchange and partnership building,” emphasising its potential to foster collaboration across cultures and disciplines. Emma Nardi, ICOM’s President, termed the event a “flagship” occasion, marking a significant milestone in ICOM’s ongoing efforts to deepen cultural engagement in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region.
The conference is scheduled to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with supporting events throughout the city and the wider region, further embedding the event within the local context. Registration is now open for museum professionals, students, and culture enthusiasts, with early bird pricing available until August 2025.
As the first ICOM General Conference in this geographical area, the event symbolises a shift towards greater inclusivity and regional representation in the global museum sector. It also signals Dubai's ambition to position itself at the forefront of cultural innovation, leveraging its unique position as a crossroads of cultures and ideas.
Professionals attending can anticipate not only insightful plenary and scientific sessions but also workshops and networking opportunities designed to spark dialogue on pressing issues such as heritage preservation, youth engagement, and integrating new technologies into museum practice. The conference’s comprehensive programme reflects a broader trend in the cultural sector, recognising the need to adapt museums to the fast-paced changes within the communities they serve.
In summary, ICOM Dubai 2025 is expected to be a landmark event that will bring together a broad spectrum of voices from the museum world and beyond, fostering new partnerships and inspiring innovative approaches to cultural stewardship in the 21st century.