Sheikha Latifa Leads ICOM Dubai 2025 Partnership Signing

H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), witnessed the signing of several key partnership agreements between the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Dubai 2025 Organising Committee and leading public and private organisations. These partnerships aim to ensure the successful hosting of the 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai.

The 27th ICOM General Conference, to be held for the first time in the Middle East, will take place from 11th to 18th November 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. This prestigious global conference will bring together thousands of museum professionals, cultural leaders, and experts from around the world.

Speaking during the event, Sheikha Latifa said that hosting ICOM Dubai 2025 reflects the UAE’s recognition of the transformative role of culture, heritage, and creativity in shaping societies. She stressed that the newly signed partnerships represent a strong commitment from both government and private entities to support cultural progress and global knowledge exchange.

Sheikha Latifa highlighted that collaboration has always been at the heart of the UAE’s development journey. “These partnerships embody our shared commitment across the public and private sectors to advance knowledge and support the global museum community. This spirit of collaboration is deeply rooted in who we are as a nation,” she said. She also emphasized that Dubai continues to serve as a global platform for dialogue and innovation, reflecting its vision for a connected and inclusive cultural future.

The partnerships bring together several key national stakeholders, including du, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, Expo City Dubai, Dubai Business Events, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Airports, and ICOM UAE. Each of these entities will play an essential role in ensuring the successful organization of ICOM Dubai 2025.The agreements were signed at Expo City Dubai in the presence of Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee, along with several senior officials. The ceremony was attended by representatives from Dubai’s major government departments and business organisations, reflecting the city’s united approach to hosting major international events.

ICOM Dubai 2025 will be the first edition of the global museum conference to take place in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia region. It is expected to attract over 4,500 participants from around the world. The conference will be held under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” focusing on how museums can adapt and contribute to evolving cultural landscapes.

The conference’s scientific programme will explore three key sub-themes — Intangible Heritage, Youth Power, and New Technologies. These discussions aim to encourage meaningful dialogue, strengthen international collaboration, and explore innovative approaches to preserving cultural heritage in a modern, technology-driven world.

Through its partnerships, the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee reaffirmed its commitment to hosting a world-class event that will have both an immediate impact and a lasting legacy. Each partner’s involvement will help set new standards for collaboration, showcasing Dubai’s ability to unite expertise across different disciplines for a shared cultural goal.

Founded in 1946, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and developing museums and the museum profession. With more than 60,000 members across 139 countries, ICOM serves as a global platform for museum professionals — including curators, researchers, educators, and directors — to share knowledge, promote sustainability, and advance the role of culture in global development.

By hosting ICOM 2025, Dubai strengthens its position as a global cultural hub. The event will not only highlight the city’s infrastructure and innovation but also its commitment to supporting the arts and heritage sectors. With strong leadership from Sheikha Latifa and support from the UAE’s national institutions, ICOM Dubai 2025 is set to become a milestone event that will elevate the region’s contribution to global cultural dialogue.