Dubai is set to become a cultural hub as it prepares to host the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums, known as “آيكوم دبي 2025.” This exceptional international event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, marks the first time the conference is being held in the Middle East, running from November 11 to 17. Experts in the museum sector from around the globe will gather to explore the evolving role of museums amid rapid societal changes, seeking innovative ways to make these institutions more interactive through digital technology while inspiring future generations with fresh visions for a vibrant cultural ecosystem.
A Global Gathering for Cultural Exchange
Several officials and intellectuals have emphasized to “Al-Bayan” that hosting “آيكوم دبي 2025” reflects Dubai’s global standing as a platform for constructive dialogue and cultural innovation. Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Chair of the Organizing Committee for “آيكوم دبي 2025,” stated that the conference exemplifies Dubai’s strength on the global cultural map, showcasing its pivotal role in redefining the concept of museums worldwide.
She remarked, “This international event serves as a prominent global platform that showcases the role of culture in enhancing communities, the importance of empowering museums, and their capacity for innovation in response to the fast-paced changes occurring worldwide. Our belief in museums as guardians of heritage and vital centers for cultural tourism and creative industries drives us to create vibrant community spaces that encourage interaction, learning, and creativity.”
Shaping the Future of Museums
Badri elaborated, “At ‘آيكوم دبي,’ we aim to gather cultural experts and thought leaders from around the world to exchange ideas and experiences while establishing new professional standards that will assist in developing the museum sector. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that enhances accessibility and encourages participation and constructive dialogue, thereby building a legacy for ‘آيكوم دبي’ that positively impacts the creative economy and the global cultural movement.”
According to Mona Al Qurq, Executive Director of the Museums and Heritage Sector at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai’s hosting of the “آيكوم” conference is a significant achievement that underscores the crucial role of museums in enhancing societal engagement and fostering intercultural dialogue. She stated, “The global event serves as an international platform that gathers heritage experts, museum specialists, cultural leaders, and policymakers from around the world to design and envision the future of museums in a constructive and positive environment.”
Addressing Modern Challenges
Nasser Al Darmaki, President of “آيكوم UAE,” noted, “In light of the profound transformations occurring in the cultural and social landscape of the Arab region and the world, ‘آيكوم دبي 2025’ highlights the critical role of museums as dynamic intellectual and cultural institutions, contributing to awareness-building and enhancing human dialogue.” He emphasized the unique significance and responsibility that come with hosting the conference in Dubai for the first time in the region, framing museums as beacons of dialogue, interaction, and shared learning experiences.
Ali Obaid Al Hamli, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Sciences Symposium, articulated, “‘آيكوم دبي’ represents an essential opportunity to meet experts in museums, heritage, and cultural technologies from around the globe, carrying a forward-looking vision for how museums can adapt to rapid societal changes.” He predicted that the conference would mark a pivotal transformation in global museum practices, redefining these institutions as integral and active players in human and community life.
Innovation and Technology as Key Components
Al Hamli highlighted that leveraging digitization, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence opens unprecedented avenues for museums to present heritage in engaging contemporary ways. “Such innovations allow visitors not just to observe but to truly experience and interact with exhibits, bridging the gap between past and future,” he said, asserting that this evolution transforms museums into educational, tourism, and economic tools that reinforce the creative economy.
Engineer Rashad Boukhsh, President of the Heritage Architecture Association, views “آيكوم دبي” as a critical juncture in redefining museum roles in society. “Museums are no longer just spaces for displaying artifacts; they have become centers for cultural interaction and knowledge transfer, utilizing modern means that align with global transformations,” he asserted.
He also noted, “Employing digital technologies and virtual reality is essential for extending museums’ reach to broader audiences, particularly younger generations. These tools provide visitors with immersive and comprehensive experiences, offering museums opportunities to document and display their content in attractive and interactive ways.”