ICOM Dubai 2025 Begins: A Landmark Gathering for the Future of Museums

ICOM Dubai 2025 has officially opened in the UAE, marking the first time the world’s largest museum conference is being hosted in the MEASA region and bringing together global museum leaders to redefine the future of cultural institutions.

ICOM Dubai 2025 has officially commenced in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, gathering museum professionals, cultural leaders, and experts from around the world for the most influential event in the international museum community. This edition marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time the ICOM General Conference is being held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.

The weeklong conference features an ambitious programme, including more than ten keynote sessions, insights from over 400 speakers, and more than 100 talks, workshops, and panels. The Museum Fair will also bring together over 100 exhibitors showcasing groundbreaking innovations that shape the future of museology.

Presented under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” the conference invites participants to explore how museums can respond to today’s demographic, technological, and environmental challenges through creativity, innovation, and community empowerment. Discussions will focus on how museums can evolve into vibrant cultural spaces that preserve heritage while embracing diversity and technological advancement.

A Vision for the Future of Museums

The programme centres on three key sub-themes—Youth Power, Intangible Heritage, and New Technologies—each addressed through inspiring keynotes, practical workshops, and collaborative dialogue. ICOM Dubai 2025 aims to re-envision museums as dynamic centres for learning, creativity, and social engagement.

Key highlights include the session “AI and Museums: From Vision to Global Action,” with Medea S. Ekner, ICOM Director General, and Krista Pikkat from UNESCO. Another focal point is the roundtable “The Revision of the ICOM Code of Ethics,” featuring leading voices such as Sally Yerkovich, Julie Higashi, and Dr Kathrin Pabst, moderated by Hilary Carty OBE.

The session “Reframing Power: Whose Stories Do Museums Tell?” will spark thoughtful discussions on representation and cultural responsibility, with speakers including Farid Rakun and Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi. Additionally, “The Spirit of Exchange: The UAE’s Unique View on Cultural Diplomacy” will feature Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum and Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi.

Innovation and development will take centre stage in “Defying Convention: Developing Museums Anew,” moderated by Dr Peter Magee, alongside experts such as Gavane Umerova and Dr Christian Greco. Another crucial session, “Fighting Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property: Focus on Digital Tools,” brings together ICOM, UNESCO, and Interpol.

The conference will culminate with the prestigious ICOM Award for Sustainable Practices in Museums, honouring pioneering contributions to sustainable development within the museum sector.

Global Leaders Reflect on a Pivotal Moment

Emma Nardi, the outgoing ICOM President, emphasised the significance of this year’s location, highlighting Dubai’s cultural innovation and the exceptional hospitality extended by the host nation. Medea S. Ekner underscored the transformative era facing museums and the importance of leading change through innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.

Her Excellency Hala Badri, Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, noted that the conference represents a global platform for visionary cultural dialogue. She highlighted Dubai’s commitment to redefining the role of museums as institutions that inspire creativity, innovation, and societal advancement.

Nasir Al Darmaki, Chair of ICOM UAE, affirmed that hosting the conference strengthens Dubai’s role as a global cultural hub and emphasised its dedication to advancing the museum sector towards inclusivity, sustainability, and creative excellence.

The outcomes of the 27th ICOM General Conference will be formally presented at a media gathering at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on Friday, 14 November.