Dubai Culture And Expo City Dubai Form Strategic Partnership To Enrich Cultural Landscape Ahead Of ICOM Dubai 2025
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, highlighted Dubai's growing cultural influence and global competitiveness. This is achieved through unique initiatives and attributes that make it a top city for living, working, and hosting international events. Her remarks came during the signing of a strategic partnership with Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority.
The collaboration between Dubai Culture and Expo City Dubai aims to enhance Dubai's status as a creative hub. It seeks to foster talent and deliver innovative experiences that boost the city's leadership on the global stage. The partnership will support the 27th International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference – Dubai 2025, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Reem Al Hashimy emphasised that this partnership marks a significant step in Expo City Dubai’s cultural journey. It supports efforts to advance the arts ecosystem, empower talent, and promote innovation. "This partnership represents an important milestone in Expo City Dubai’s journey," she stated, highlighting its role in enhancing human connections through culture.
The ICOM conference will be hosted from 11 to 17 November 2025, marking its first occurrence in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region. The opening event will take place at Al Wasl Plaza on 12 November with over 4,000 international delegates expected to attend.
Sheikha Latifa expressed excitement about hosting ICOM Dubai 2025 as a pivotal moment in the city's cultural development. She said: "Dubai’s hosting of ICOM Dubai 2025 marks a defining milestone in our city’s cultural journey." The event will showcase Dubai's creative spirit and reinforce its vision as a global centre for culture.
A key project under this partnership is the ‘Pocket Forest’ initiative at Terra in Expo City Dubai. Inspired by Dr Akira Miyawaki's method, it focuses on urban reforestation by planting diverse native trees to enhance biodiversity and restore ecosystems.
Legacy Projects
The ‘Pocket Forest’ project symbolises a reconnection with UAE’s environmental roots. During their visit, Sheikha Latifa and Reem Al Hashimy joined children in planting saplings like sidr, samr, ghaf, and arak ‘miswak’ trees known for thriving in hot climates.
This strategic partnership also coincides with the second edition of the Dhai Dubai Art Festival from 12 to 18 November at Expo City Dubai. The festival will feature leading Emirati artists across generations and introduce the ‘House of Art,’ a creative space for exhibitions and dialogue.
Sheikha Latifa praised this collaboration as an exemplary model aligning with Dubai Government’s approach to fostering cooperation. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to celebrating cultural diversity," she noted. It underscores their belief in culture driving progress while fostering an environment where talent can thrive.
Al Hashimy added: "Hosting the ICOM Dubai 2025 conference is a defining moment in the emirate’s history." The event will further enrich Dubai's artistic landscape by reinforcing its role as a global hub for creativity.
With inputs from WAM
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