ICOM 2025
Image
Image
Image
Image
Tap to Explore
Dubai’s silversmiths shaped a rich jewellery heritage, transforming silver into timeless, culturally significant pieces using special tools. Silversmithing is a traditional Emirati craft that has a rich history, and at a time when silver was more popular than gold, these artisans defined an era of artistry and trade through their craftsmanship.

27th ICOM
General
Conference 2025

The Future of Museums
in Rapidly Changing Communities

Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

ICOM UAE
Welcome Message

Nasir Al Darmaki Chair of ICOM UAE

On behalf of the United Arab Emirates ICOM National Committee we proudly welcome you to the ICOM General Conference in Dubai. Our National Committee represents a vibrant community of museum professionals dedicated to advancing museum practices, fostering a thriving sector, and inspiring future generations.

Our nation celebrates its rich diversity, recognizing the strength that comes from engaging with diverse communities and perspectives. ICOM UAE connects this diverse landscape, uniting professionals across the country and facilitating the exchange of ideas. From ancient history to contemporary art, our museums tell the stories of the UAE as well as its connections to the world. We actively engage with a diverse range of institutions and individuals, ensuring accessibility and promoting rich and inclusive cultural narratives.

Member

ICOM Dubai 2025 will be a landmark event, showcasing the UAE’s dynamic museum sector and fostering global dialogue on the evolving role of museums in society. We invite you to join us for insightful discussions, meaningful collaborations and a shared commitment to fostering the future of museums in the spirit of diversity and unity.

During your stay with us, we also encourage you to explore the beauty of the UAE and experience the vibrant energy of Dubai. We greatly appreciate your participation in the conference and look forward to welcoming you.

27th ICOM General
Conference

Every three years, ICOM hosts its General Conference, a flagship event that brings together museum professionals from around the world to engage in dialogue on the most pressing issues facing the museum sector.

The selection of Dubai as the hosting city for 2025 marks a historic moment, positioning Dubai as the first city in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia to organise this prestigious international event since ICOM’s establishment in 1946.

ICOM Dubai 2025 conference will be hybrid, enabling global participation.

Visionary speakers, including renowned museum professionals and cultural thought leaders, will share insights on the future of museums. Attendees will engage in expert-led masterclasses and networking opportunities, providing a dynamic platform for collaboration and idea exchange.

The main theme chosen for the General Conference, ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ encapsulates the dynamic ever-changing landscape that communities and museums worldwide navigate through today, with three interconnected sub-themes that will invite in-depth discussions into the safeguarding of intangible heritage, youth power, and the rise of new technologies.

Embracing the rich cultural scene in Dubai and the UAE, the conference will also offer an array of social and cultural events for an enhanced experience for all attendees.

Become a Member

Be part of a global museum community

As a member of ICOM, you will be part of the global museum community, get involved in international missions and gain access to ICOM resources.

With more than 57,000 members from 138 countries and territories, ICOM is a unique professional network of institutions and museum professionals that will open new opportunities for you.

Become a member
Member
Emma Nardi
The 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
Emma Nardi

President of International Council of Museums – ICOM

Hala Badri
Dubai is a crossroads of cultures where heritage and innovation coexist, and ICOM Dubai 2025 is our moment to exchange ideas and shape museums as spaces of connection and transformation.
Hala Badri

Director General
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
Chairperson of ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee

Nasir Al Darmaki
27th ICOM General Conference, ICOM Dubai 2025: Bridging Cultures, Shaping Futures. Join us in paving the way for innovation, dialogue, and the transformative power of museums worldwide
Nasir Al Darmaki

Chair of ICOM UAE

Conference
Theme

The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities

A whirlwind of global events has reshaped our understanding of the world and our place in it, thrusting us into an era of constant transformation.