Museums at the Forefront: Insights from Day Two of ICOM Dubai 2025

The second day of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) took place in Dubai, emphasizing the necessity for museums to adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape. The event, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, gathered cultural leaders, curators, researchers, and museum experts from around the globe for the inaugural ICOM conference in the Middle East and South Asia.

Opening remarks were delivered by Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee. She recounted Dubai’s history in hosting this influential gathering, attributing it to sustained dedication and the leadership values of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Badri recognized the vision shaped by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focusing on Intangible Heritage, New Technologies, and Youth Power as essential themes for ICOM Dubai 2025, inviting a global audience to see museums as vital custodians of living memory and evolving cultural identities.

Badri asserted that this conference signifies Dubai’s determination to redefine museum practices while contributing to worldwide cultural discussions, particularly with a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and forward-thinking principles.

A significant moment was the keynote speech by Rakan bin Ibrahim Al Touq, Assistant Minister of Culture in Saudi Arabia, who detailed the expanding museum scene in Saudi Arabia and the nation’s aim to create a cohesive network of national and specialized institutions. He emphasized museums as civic platforms that foster public engagement and fresh narratives.

The program proceeded with a keynote from Kamini Sawhney, who posed the critical question, “Whose Museum Is It Anyway?” She discussed how museums can foster trust within communities by transforming their interactions with the public.

Throughout the day, themes focused on the changing role of museums in relation to shifting societal values, demographics, and global cultural anticipations. A conversation titled “Reframing Power: Whose Stories Do Museums Tell?” brought together artists and curators from the Global South to explore mutual cultural practices and community-led storytelling.

Another session, “The Interconnectivity of Life,” examined multi-species perspectives in museum thought, featuring inputs from Zoma Museum, teamLab, and academic specialists. Concurrently, a roundtable on the ICOM Code of Ethics addressed how global museums can remain centered on human experiences amidst societal changes.

The day included several targeted mentoring sessions on themes of leadership, conservation, visitor experiences, and youth engagement. Masterclasses featured reverse mentoring initiatives by Singapore’s Youth Panel and practical guides for enriching visitor engagement in museum districts.

Delegates also took part in curated networking opportunities across cultural sites in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, visiting locations such as Ishara Art Foundation, Alserkal, Museum of the Future, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, and NYU Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, the Museum Fair drew a robust visitor turnout, spotlighting Emirati heritage through live Talli embroidery, artisan demonstrations, henna art, and coffee tastings. Engaging activities like keychain crafting and scent-making enriched the fair. Emirati chefs presented traditional canapés, intertwining food with cultural narratives, providing a memorable experience for participants.

As Day Two concluded, ICOM Dubai 2025 reinforced its significance as a global forum where museum professionals share insights on identity, heritage, innovation, and the future of cultural institutions—mirroring a world in which museums continuously adapt to their communities.