Dubai has become the global epicenter of cultural dialogue as it hosts the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) from November 11–17, 2025. Themed “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” the week-long event marks a historic milestone the first time the ICOM General Conference is being held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.
Held under the patronage of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the global gathering brings together museum professionals, cultural leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the world to discuss how museums can evolve amid rapid social, technological, and environmental change. Over 3,000 delegates from more than 140 countries are attending sessions focused on reimagining museum practices through the lens of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability.
The conference highlights Dubai’s growing stature as a global hub for culture and creativity, aligning with its broader vision to position itself as a leading center for art, heritage, and innovation. Sub-themes of the event—intangible heritage, youth empowerment, and new technologies reflect the city’s ambition to integrate tradition with progress. These discussions aim to reshape how cultural institutions engage audiences and preserve heritage in a rapidly digitalizing world.
A central feature of ICOM Dubai 2025 is the Museum Fair, a large-scale exhibition showcasing more than 100 global institutions and tech firms pioneering advancements in museum management, design, and visitor experience. From AI-driven curation tools to immersive VR and AR installations, the fair illustrates how technology can bridge the gap between cultural preservation and modern engagement. Training workshops and innovation labs are also being held to help museum professionals adopt emerging digital tools in storytelling and audience interaction.
Another major focus is on intangible heritage the living traditions, rituals, and cultural expressions that shape community identity. Panels explore how museums can move beyond physical collections to safeguard oral histories, performing arts, and indigenous knowledge systems. This approach reinforces the idea that cultural heritage extends beyond artifacts, encompassing the values and practices that bind communities together.
Youth participation is another cornerstone of the conference. Dubai’s cultural institutions have launched several initiatives to involve young creatives, curators, and designers in reimagining the museum experience. By empowering the next generation, the event emphasizes continuity ensuring that cultural institutions remain relevant to future audiences.
Through the ICOM conference, Dubai showcases its commitment to cultural diplomacy and sustainable innovation. The city’s diverse population and global connectivity make it an ideal setting for discussions on how museums can serve as platforms for dialogue, creativity, and global cooperation. The event also supports the UAE’s national vision to strengthen the creative economy and cultural exchange as drivers of long-term development.
As the curtains rise on ICOM Dubai 2025, the message is clear: museums are no longer static repositories of the past but dynamic spaces of innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. By hosting this landmark conference, Dubai not only cements its place on the world’s cultural map but also redefines what the museum of the future can be a bridge between heritage and humanity’s next chapter.
