Museum professionals and cultural leaders from around the world have convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for the 27th International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference. This marks the first time the event is being held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.
The conference agenda includes more than ten keynote sessions, over 400 speakers, upwards of 100 talks, panels, and workshops. Interactive advanced training sessions are also part of the program. More than 100 exhibitors are participating in the Museum Fair to highlight innovation and collaboration within the museum sector.
The theme for this year’s conference is “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.” Discussions will focus on how museums can address demographic shifts, technological advances, and environmental changes through creative strategies that support communities, preserve heritage, and promote cultural diversity.
Sub-themes such as Youth Power, Intangible Heritage, and New Technologies will be explored through keynotes, workshops, and collaborative forums. The hybrid-format event aims to reimagine museums as active spaces for creativity and social engagement.
One featured session is “AI and Museums: From Vision to Global Action,” with Medea S. Ekner, Director General of ICOM, and Krista Pikkat from UNESCO’s Culture Sector. Another panel titled “The Revision of the ICOM Code of Ethics” will discuss updates to a key professional document with experts including Sally Yerkovich and Dr Kathrin Pabst. Hilary Carty OBE will moderate this session.
A discussion called “Reframing Power: Whose Stories Do Museums Tell?” brings together Farid Rakun, Dr Natalie McGuire, and Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi to examine representation in museum narratives.
“The Spirit of Exchange: The UAE’s Unique View on Cultural Diplomacy” features Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum and Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi in conversation with Mina Al Oraibi from The National.
Dr Peter Magee will moderate a panel titled “Defying Convention: Developing Museums Anew,” which includes Gavane Umerova among others discussing new approaches to museum development.
Another notable session addresses fighting illicit trafficking of cultural property using digital tools—a joint effort by ICOM, UNESCO, and Interpol.
The conference concludes with the presentation of the ICOM Award for Sustainable Practices in Museums. This award recognizes innovative projects that contribute to sustainable development within museums worldwide.
Interactive workshops throughout the week offer participants practical strategies for building sustainable institutions in a digital era. The Museum Fair continues alongside these events with exhibitors showcasing new solutions for museums’ evolving needs.
Emma Nardi, Outgoing ICOM President said: “The ICOM General Conference is the highlight of our triennial calendar and for the first time, this year, it will take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. Museum professionals from all around the world will gather to exchange ideas and imagine new paths forward. In the setting of Dubai, a landmark and crossroad of technological innovation, and cultural transformation, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to us. The Future begins here at ICOM Dubai 2025.”
Medea S. Ekner stated: “This ICOM General Conference comes at a transformative time for the museum field. As our sector evolves we ask how museums can not only adapt to change but lead it as essential pillars of our societies. ICOM Dubai 2025 will be a place to exchange knowledge strengthen collaboration and explore how museums can lead change through innovation and community engagement. Together we are shaping a more connected and forward-looking museum landscape. All of this because the ICOM General Conference stands as a testament to what collaboration can achieve. ICOM and ICOM UAE’s partnership with ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee has been exceptional a true role model of cooperation and shared purpose. As we begin this exciting week I am confident that the ideas born here will resonate far beyond these walls in museums communities and classrooms around the world.”
Her Excellency Hala Badri commented: “The Conference marks a pivotal moment for the global museum community representing a truly international platform that unites thought leaders cultural visionaries and museum professionals to shape the sector’s future. Hosting this exceptional event in Dubai reflects recognition of our region’s growing influence in global cultural dialogue and progress we’ve made fostering creativity cross-cultural collaboration... Its importance lies in its ability to capture collective action by opening meaningful spaces for new ideas... This aligns with Dubai’s vision... turning them into centres for learning creativity inspiration reflecting our belief in culture’s power...”
She added that focusing on intangible heritage highlights global efforts toward safeguarding traditions while emphasizing youth involvement signals an evolving relationship between heritage innovation—and technology shaping tomorrow's museums.
Nasir Al Darmaki said: “ICOM Dubai 2025 underscores role museums play as vital spaces thought culture creativity nurture collective awareness intercultural dialogue... By hosting this conference Dubai reaffirms its role as global cultural hub incubator diversity catalyst innovation leader advancing museum field toward greater inclusivity creativity sustainability.”
Conference outcomes are scheduled for presentation during a media gathering at Dubai World Trade Centre on Friday November 14.
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