Dubai hosts region’s first ICOM General Conference, shaping future of museums

Dubai has become the centre of the global museum community this week as it hosts the 27^th ICOM General Conference, the first to be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region.
Till Monday, thousands of museum professionals, cultural leaders and policymakers from around the world have gathered in Dubai to explore the theme “The Future of Museums in a Rapidly Changing World.”

Held every three years, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference is the most significant global event for museum professionals. It serves as a platform for curators, educators, conservators, researchers and heritage experts to shape the future of the field through dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.

Prof. Emma Nardi, President of ICOM, said the conference’s arrival in Dubai marks a defining moment for the organisation and the region.
“ICOM is the largest museum professional organisation in the world with more than 60,000 members, and 5,000 of them are here in Dubai,” she said during a media briefing at the World Trade Centre.
“This conference is particularly meaningful because we are looking toward the future – for the next generations.”

Nardi highlighted several key initiatives being launched at the event, including the first-ever ICOM Award for Sustainable Practices in Museums, the revision of the ICOM Code of Ethics, and the ICOM for Peace project.
“Museums are changing as society changes, and the Code of Ethics must reflect that,” she said. “Through museums and their communities, we can also promote peace – a bottom-up approach to harmony and understanding.”

Medea S. Ekner, Director General of ICOM, said the conference comes at a crucial time as museums redefine their purpose amid technological, social and environmental transformations. “Museums are no longer just places of preservation. They are spaces of participation, innovation, and hope,” she said.
“We will explore how technology and AI can enhance museum experiences while upholding the ethical values that define our field.”

Nasir Al Darmaki, Chair of ICOM UAE, said Dubai’s selection followed a competitive bidding process in 2021.
“Dubai is giving the world a very important gift through this conference. For the first time, Arabic has been added during an ICOM General Conference, opening doors for participation from the Middle East, North Africa, and 22 Arab countries.”

He added that this year’s themes – youth empowerment, intangible cultural heritage, and new technologies – reflect the region’s growing role in global cultural dialogue.

Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, said the event marks a “qualitative leap” in museum practices and policies. “With 4,500 participants and 400 speakers, this gathering represents a new horizon for meaningful international cooperation and knowledge exchange,” she said. “We promise to deliver an exceptional experience that celebrates creativity, innovation, and cultural understanding.”