Dubai: The 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has announced a lineup of distinguished speakers for the landmark event, which Dubai will host for the first time in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region.
According to Emirates News Agency, this edition of the conference marks a significant milestone in Dubai's cultural journey, showcasing the emirate's infrastructure and capabilities that have positioned it as a model for future cities and a center for intellectual exchange and cultural dialogue. Running from 11th-17th November 2025, under the theme 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,' ICOM Dubai 2025 will bring together museum professionals, cultural experts, and thought leaders to discuss new approaches and strategies shaping the future of museums. The conference's scientific program will focus on three key pillars: intangible heritage, youth power, and new technologies.
The event will feature a distinguished speaker program, including prominent figures from government, the museum community, and the wider cultural and creative industries. A keynote address by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), will be a highlight of the program, reflecting her leadership in shaping Dubai's creative economy and cultural standing. The line-up will also include Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, and Emma Nardi, President of ICOM.
Also joining the keynote line-up are Kamini Sawhney, Director of Bengaluru's Museum of Art and Photography, who will explore how museums can foster resilience and strengthen community engagement, and Sumayya Vally, principal of the South Africa-based architecture and research studio Counterspace, who will reflect on curatorial practices rooted in rituals and temporalities.
The event will also feature panel discussions, dialogue formats, cultural activations, nationwide tours, and a Museum Fair, offering an immersive experience that highlights the UAE's cultural landscape and global trends shaping museum practice. ICOM Dubai 2025 is set to be a landmark platform for developing new strategies and partnerships that will advance the global museum sector.
Hala Badri stated that ICOM Dubai 2025 serves as a global platform where thought leaders, cultural professionals, and museum experts can exchange ideas, share knowledge, and build partnerships to shape the future of the museum sector. She emphasized Dubai's role in enriching the global cultural landscape and its ability to bring together global experts and emerging voices to explore the evolving role of museums.
Emma Nardi, ICOM President, mentioned that the conference is the flagship event of their calendar and, for the first time, will be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. Registration is now open for museum professionals, students, cultural specialists, and all those passionate about culture and the future of museums.