The theme of this year’s 27th ICOM General Conference—the triennial event which brings together museum professionals from across the world—is “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”. And there could be no more appropriate place to hold it than in Dubai, a city which has experienced profound change in past few decades, including a rapidly developing cultural sector, while still maintaining its distinctive heritage and traditions.
Taking place 11-17 November, this will be the first time that the International Council for Museums (ICOM)’s centrepiece event has been held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region. It will shed light on the region’s museum professionals and cultural innovators, many of whom are working to change the field not from global centres of influence but from emerging cultural capitals.
The chairperson of the organising committee, Her Excellency Hala Badri, says that the event will be an inspiring global platform where thought leaders, cultural professionals, and museum experts can exchange ideas, share knowledge and build meaningful partnerships to shape the future of the museum sector.
“Driven by its bold aspirations and deep cultural foundations, Dubai continues to enrich the global cultural landscape, celebrating diversity, championing inclusion, and positioning itself as a meeting point for creative minds from every corner of the world,” says Badri, who is also the director general of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. “Hosting ICOM Dubai 2025 reflects the emirate’s unique ability to bring together global experts and emerging voices to explore the evolving role of museums. Together, we will examine how museums can preserve heritage, ignite innovation and inspire dialogue across communities.”
A keynote address will be given by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), whose leadership helped develop Dubai’s creative economy. Also speaking will be Badri; Emma Nardi, the president of ICOM; Kamini Sawhney, the director of Bengaluru’s Museum of Art and Photography; and Sumayya Vally, the principal of the South Africa-based research studio Counterspace.
The conference’s scientific programme will be divided into three strands: intangible heritage, youth power and new technologies. There will be panel discussions, heritage tours of the United Arab Emirates and the region, plus an opening party held at Expo City Dubai.
Alongside the conference, the Museum Fair held at the Dubai World Trade Center will allow museum professionals to share the work they have been doing with their peers.
Founded in 1946, ICOM is a global organisation dedicated to the perseveration, promotion and development of museums. It has over 57,000 members in 129 countries, including curators, conservators, educators and other museum professionals. The last ICOM General Conference was held in Prague in 2023.
- ICOM General Conference, 11-17 November, Dubai. dubai2025.icom.museum
