ICOM Dubai 2025

Conference Theme

The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities

In the spirit of the inaugural General Conference in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, ICOM Dubai 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking and uniquely transformative experience for museum professionals, cultural leaders, and community members globally.

The scientific programme features engaging panels, interactive sessions, lecture performances, masterclasses, workshops and more, offering an exciting assemblage of critical cultural dialogue and cutting-edge innovation. Paralleling the diversity of Dubai, the organised sessions set an exemplary balance in the representation of not only age, geography, experience, and skillset, while also showcasing the wide range of museum interests, disciplines and global perspectives.

Under the theme ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’, we aim to work together to preserve, share, and delve into our cultural identities, reinforcing the role of museums as vital societal pillars and catalysts for growth. The Scientific Programme will interweave three sub-themes, ‘intangible heritage’, ‘youth power’, and ‘new technologies’, across the three days to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing museums today.

Each day is structured to explore a distinct dimension of rapidly changing communities, where sessions address the three sub-themes equally and together.

Day 1

Preserve

Considers the critical decisions museums make about which stories, assets, and cultural elements to prioritise, while maintaining their crucial role as stewards of historical truth, authenticity, and accuracy. In an era of technological change, misinformation, and climate challenges, how are preservation practices and the integrity of narratives affected?

Conference Theme

The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities

In the spirit of the inaugural General Conference in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, ICOM Dubai 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking and uniquely transformative experience for museum professionals, cultural leaders, and community members globally.

The scientific programme features engaging panels, interactive sessions, lecture performances, masterclasses, workshops and more, offering an exciting assemblage of critical cultural dialogue and cutting-edge innovation. Paralleling the diversity of Dubai, the organised sessions set an exemplary balance in the representation of not only age, geography, experience, and skillset, while also showcasing the wide range of museum interests, disciplines and global perspectives.

Under the theme ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’, we aim to work together to preserve, share, and delve into our cultural identities, reinforcing the role of museums as vital societal pillars and catalysts for growth. The Scientific Programme will interweave three sub-themes, ‘intangible heritage’, ‘youth power’, and ‘new technologies’, across the three days to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing museums today.

Each day is structured to explore a distinct dimension of rapidly changing communities, where sessions address the three sub-themes equally and together.

Day 2

Adapt

Looks at how museums reflect and adapt in response to global shifts in societal values, cultural norms, and demographic changes within communities. This day offers actionable insight into how museums can cultivate representative and responsive institutions that serve the changing needs of the public.

Conference Theme

The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities

In the spirit of the inaugural General Conference in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, ICOM Dubai 2025 promises to be a groundbreaking and uniquely transformative experience for museum professionals, cultural leaders, and community members globally.

The scientific programme features engaging panels, interactive sessions, lecture performances, masterclasses, workshops and more, offering an exciting assemblage of critical cultural dialogue and cutting-edge innovation. Paralleling the diversity of Dubai, the organised sessions set an exemplary balance in the representation of not only age, geography, experience, and skillset, while also showcasing the wide range of museum interests, disciplines and global perspectives.

Under the theme ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’, we aim to work together to preserve, share, and delve into our cultural identities, reinforcing the role of museums as vital societal pillars and catalysts for growth. The Scientific Programme will interweave three sub-themes, ‘intangible heritage’, ‘youth power’, and ‘new technologies’, across the three days to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing museums today.

Each day is structured to explore a distinct dimension of rapidly changing communities, where sessions address the three sub-themes equally and together.

Day 3

Catalyse

Explores the vital role museums play in helping communities navigate and access opportunities amongst social, economic, and environmental challenges.

The ICOM Dubai 2025 programme of tours and excursions promises to be an unparalleled experience, designed to immerse participants in the vibrant culture, history, and dynamism of the United Arab Emirates. Taking place on Sunday 16th November, 2025, this exciting programme will offer a series of tailored excursions and events that will showcase the UAE in all its diversity, blending the country’s unique mix of rich traditions and hyper-modernity.

Participants will explore all seven emirates, each with its own distinctive identity, yet collectively embodying the UAE’s essence. From world-class museums and institutions in urban centres to smaller, more intimate cultural spots deeply rooted in local heritage, the programme will offer something for every interest. The programme will take participants on a journey to explore the UAE’s living heritage, engage meaningfully with a dynamic new generation of professionals and creatives, and experience some of the most innovative technologies shaping the cultural sector.

Expect to visit a wide range of sites and destinations, spanning multiple disciplines including archaeology, art, architecture, ethnography, performing arts, craft, culinary art, history, design, sustainability, and more. Participants will have the rare opportunity to step into the UAE’s past at significant archaeological sites and historical landmarks, witness exceptional contemporary architecture, explore the living heritage of the UAE and experience how the UAE has become a global hub for innovation, technology, and sustainable development. A memorable feature of this Emirati journey will be experiencing many of the UAE’s sixteen intangible heritage practices that are inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

The ICOM Dubai 2025 programme of tours and excursions is designed to enhance the conference experience, offering participants the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and immerse themselves in the culture of the United Arab Emirates. Stay tuned for a detailed list of sites and experiences to be revealed soon!

Accommodation

ibis One Central

About The Hotel

Hotel Location

Main Amenities

Preserve

Adapt

Catalyse

Explores the vital role museums play in helping communities navigate and access opportunities amongst social, economic, and environmental challenges.