Hamdan Bin Mohammed Inaugurates The 27th General Conference Of ICOM Dubai 2025 On Museums' Future

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended the opening of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025). This event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marks the first time it is hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The conference theme is ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.’

Bringing together over 4,500 museum professionals and cultural leaders globally, ICOM Dubai 2025 highlights Dubai's role as a hub for culture and knowledge exchange. The event was attended by notable figures including H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. They explored pioneering projects at the Museum Fair.

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During her keynote address, H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasised that ICOM Dubai 2025 reflects a shared vision rooted in culture's power to shape humanity's future. She stated that hosting this event acknowledges Dubai’s pioneering role on the global cultural stage. "We gather here," she said, "each carrying the story of our people, our nations, our cultures."

Sheikha Latifa poetically described how cultures converge in Dubai: "In the coming days, Dubai will create a mixed-media masterpiece." She highlighted how diverse narratives form an intricate canvas of traditions and perspectives. This convergence presents a beautiful portrait where cultures meet and creativity unites everyone.

Reflecting on ICOM Dubai 2025's journey, Sheikha Latifa noted that patience and adaptability were crucial tools for progress. She acknowledged questions about whether a young city like Dubai could lead such a profound global conversation on heritage: "That very question allowed us to tell our story with depth and meaning."

She also spoke about UAE’s historical roots: "This land has never been distant from creativity and cultural exchange." For thousands of years, civilisations thrived here through innovation and knowledge sharing. Hosting ICOM Dubai 2025 continues this legacy of inspiration and human contribution.

A Platform for Global Collaboration

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi highlighted ICOM as a unique platform for experts to collaborate under one roof. He noted that hosting this conference reaffirms UAE’s commitment to advancing museums exemplified by institutions like Louvre Abu Dhabi and Museum of the Future.

Noura Al Kaabi reflected on museums as spaces for dialogue rather than static history repositories: "Museums are not structures that preserve the past but places that ignite dialogue." Reviving cultural sites supports sustainable development while safeguarding identity.

Key Themes and Discussions

The conference features sessions around themes like Intangible Heritage, Youth Power, and New Technologies. Notable sessions include ‘AI and Museums: From Vision to Global Action’ led by Medea S. Ekner from ICOM alongside UNESCO’s Krista Pikkat.

The programme also includes inspiring talks under ‘The Digital Future’ theme featuring Dr Uzma Z. Rizvi from Pratt Institute USA; Majed Al Mansoori from Museum of the Future; Evita Huch from Rijksmuseum Innovation Lab Amsterdam among others.

Workshops Empowering Future Leaders

The first day featured specialised workshops including ‘Reverse Mentoring: Empowering Youth for Museums’ hosted by Singapore’s Youth Panel National Heritage Board aimed at preparing future museum leaders.

A professional mentoring session included speakers like Uns Kattan from Art Jameel; Darren Barker & Eric Langham co-founders Parker Langham; Maya Allison from NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery; Wael Kamal from LinkedIn MENA Talent Solutions.

The week-long conference will continue hosting workshops such as ‘Youth Forum for Young Professionals’ empowering future leaders along with Mentoring Sessions on ‘Collections Conservation & Intangible Heritage’ fostering connections between emerging practitioners & international experts.

With inputs from WAM