Latifa Bint Mohammed Highlights Museums' Vital Role In Heritage Preservation And Cultural Exchange

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, emphasised the importance of museums as spaces that preserve heritage and encourage creativity. On International Museum Day 2025, she stated: "Museums are living spaces of memory and imagination connecting generations, bridging cultures, and offering us a deeper understanding of who we are and who we can become. They remind us that identity is not fixed in time but shaped by discovery and exchange."

Sheikha Latifa expressed Dubai's pride in hosting the 27th ICOM General Conference in November 2025. This significant event will gather museum professionals globally to discuss pressing challenges in the sector. She highlighted the role of museums in shaping identities through discovery and exchange. "As Dubai prepares to host the 27th ICOM General Conference — the first in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region — we do so with immense pride and purpose. We are welcoming the global museum community into the heart of our heritage and the rhythm of our creative movement," she said.

Discussing the conference theme, ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’, H.H. Sheikha Latifa noted its relevance today: "It challenges us to reimagine museums as dynamic spaces that respond to the pace of change and remain rooted in the people they serve, a vision we have embraced in Dubai. Our museums are evolving to become centres of learning and creativity, sparking curiosity and empowering new generations to carry stories forward."

Hosting ICOM is more than a milestone for Dubai’s cultural sector; it is a celebration for the UAE. It invites contributions to global museum dialogue with regional voices and ideas, reflecting a commitment to cultural exchange. "More than a defining milestone for our cultural sector, hosting ICOM is a celebration for the UAE. It is an invitation to contribute to the global museum dialogue with the voices, perspectives, and ideas of our region, reflecting our nation’s enduring commitment to cultural exchange and building bridges that connect heritage with humanity’s shared future."

H.H. Sheikha Latifa concluded by expressing honour in participating in this mission. The event aims to forge connections inspiring future generations while championing their voice in shaping global culture. "We are honoured to take part in this shared mission and look forward to forging new connections that will inspire generations to come and champion our voice in shaping the global cultural narrative," H.H. concluded.

With inputs from WAM