Post by : Bianca
Haleem
On Wednesday night, Dubai illuminated the global stage during the spectacular opening ceremony of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai. This notable event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is historic as it represents the first time this esteemed conference has taken place in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Key attendees included His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, along with various dignitaries and global cultural leaders.
Guests were mesmerized beneath the spectacular dome of Al Wasl Plaza—the world’s largest 360-degree projection area—where they experienced ‘This is Dubai’, a 20-minute musical and theatrical extravaganza collaboratively produced by Dubai Culture and Expo City Dubai. This immersive performance illustrated Dubai’s remarkable evolution from its modest roots on the Creek in 1833 to its current status as a global cultural hub.
The show traversed four acts, illustrating the emirate’s progression from the establishment of its first settlements to its era of pearl diving, its evolution as a trading hub, and its eventual rise as a cosmopolitan city. Each segment fused traditional Emirati storytelling with state-of-the-art technology, transforming the dome into a vibrant representation of Dubai’s heritage.
Directed by Amna Abdullah Abu Alhoul, this production showcased the collaborative talents of both Emirati and international artists. The poetic script, penned by esteemed Emirati writer Ali Al Khawar, along with music composed by Fayez Al Saeed, brought a rhythmic flow that guided the audience through time. The operatic vocals of Fatma Al Hashemi and narration by Huda Al Fahad enriched the emotional depth of the narrative, with cultural oversight by Reem Abdullah Al Ghaith.
Featuring 252 high-definition projectors, over 800 lighting fixtures, and more than 150 audio speakers, Al Wasl Plaza morphed into a stunning 360-degree audiovisual experience. The musical backdrop combined traditional Emirati rhythms with modern orchestration, epitomizing Dubai's perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Crafted by the creative team at Expo City Dubai, the performance was the result of over 380 hours of historical investigation and 100 hours of practice, using archival records that captured Dubai’s early maritime and trading existence.
As delegates from global museums convened, the evening transcended a mere opening; it celebrated culture, creativity, and connections. This event underscored Dubai’s deep-rooted belief in the power of culture as a unifying force among nations and an inspiration for humanity.
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