The ICOM Dubai 2025 partnerships have marked a major step forward for the cultural and museum sector. In a significant ceremony, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended the signing of strategic agreements between the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Dubai 2025 Organising Committee and several leading national and private sector entities.
This event highlights Dubai’s dedication to cultural development and signals the UAE’s vision to become a global hub for creativity, heritage, and innovation. As the first city in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia region to host the prestigious ICOM General Conference, Dubai is preparing to showcase the power of partnership and cultural exchange.
Why the ICOM Dubai 2025 Partnerships Matter
The signing of the ICOM Dubai 2025 partnerships is more than a ceremonial milestone. It reflects Dubai’s broader strategy to integrate culture into every part of its development journey.
Global gathering of museum professionals
The 27th ICOM General Conference will bring together over 4,500 museum professionals, researchers, cultural leaders, and innovators from around the world. These partnerships will ensure the event is organised to the highest global standards and leaves a meaningful legacy for the future of museums.
A first for the MENASA region
Hosting ICOM in Dubai represents a historic moment for the MENASA region. It gives regional museums, curators, and cultural institutions an opportunity to share their stories, exchange best practices, and learn from international counterparts. It also puts the Middle East on the map as an emerging center for cultural thought and innovation.
Cross sector collaboration
The ICOM Dubai 2025 partnerships unite organisations from multiple industries, including culture, tourism, technology, transport, and sustainability. This collaboration shows how cultural progress is interconnected with every sector, from energy and telecommunications to identity management and aviation.
Creating a lasting legacy
Beyond the conference itself, these partnerships aim to create long term programs in education, youth empowerment, and digital transformation for museums. By doing so, Dubai is not just hosting a world event but building a foundation for continuous learning and regional cultural growth.
Key Entities Involved
At the signing ceremony, several leading government and private sector organisations formalised their commitment to support ICOM Dubai 2025. Among them were
- Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du)
- Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
- Expo City Dubai
- Dubai Business Events
- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
- General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai
- Dubai Airports
- ICOM UAE
Each of these organisations brings unique expertise from infrastructure and connectivity to visitor management and sustainability, ensuring the event’s smooth execution and long term impact.
What to Expect at ICOM Dubai 2025
The ICOM Dubai 2025 General Conference will be held from 11 to 17 November 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The event’s theme, The Future of Museums in a Changing World, will explore three major sub themes.
Intangible Heritage
This theme will highlight the preservation of cultural traditions, languages, crafts, and practices that shape community identities. It will explore how museums can protect and present these non material forms of culture in engaging and inclusive ways.
Youth Power
The future of museums depends on the next generation. Through this theme, the conference will empower young professionals, students, and emerging creatives to bring fresh perspectives and digital skills into the cultural sector.
New Technologies
As digital transformation reshapes every field, museums too are embracing innovation. This segment will focus on how artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and immersive storytelling can redefine the visitor experience and make culture more accessible.
These themes reflect Dubai’s broader commitment to innovation and inclusion, ensuring that museums evolve with the times while staying rooted in heritage.
Sheikha Latifa’s Vision for Culture
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed’s presence at the signing ceremony demonstrates her strong leadership in shaping Dubai’s cultural landscape. She has been a driving force behind initiatives that position culture as a pillar of sustainable development.
In her remarks, she emphasized that hosting ICOM Dubai 2025 reflects the UAE’s belief in the transformative power of culture, heritage, and creativity. The partnerships represent a united effort between public and private sectors to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen the global museum community.
Sheikha Latifa’s ongoing work through Dubai Culture aims to make the city a global meeting point for creativity, innovation, and learning. Under her leadership, Dubai continues to invest in preserving its history while supporting emerging artists, creative entrepreneurs, and cultural institutions.
The Broader Impact of ICOM Dubai 2025
Elevating the global museum community
ICOM Dubai 2025 will be more than just an international conference. It will be a platform for collaboration, learning, and policy development. It will allow experts to discuss the future of museums from sustainability and governance to education and digital access.
Strengthening regional cultural identity
For the MENASA region, the event provides a chance to highlight diverse cultural narratives. It will bring global attention to Arab heritage and promote regional museums as key players in the global cultural ecosystem.
Boosting cultural tourism and economy
The conference is expected to attract thousands of international visitors, scholars, and investors, boosting tourism and hospitality in Dubai. It will also reinforce the city’s brand as a global destination for culture and knowledge.
Encouraging sustainability and innovation
Through initiatives such as the Pocket Forest project and other green partnerships, ICOM Dubai 2025 is integrating environmental responsibility into cultural dialogue. The goal is to set an example for sustainable event planning and eco friendly museum practices.
Looking Ahead
With less than a year to go, preparations for ICOM Dubai 2025 are moving full speed ahead. The partnerships signed under Sheikha Latifa’s leadership ensure that every aspect of the conference, from logistics to legacy, is strategically aligned with Dubai’s vision for cultural excellence.
Observers are watching how these collaborations will translate into action. The training programs for youth, technology integration in museums, cross border partnerships, and innovative cultural policies that emerge from the event will shape the future of the museum sector.
The legacy of ICOM Dubai 2025 will likely be measured not only in attendance numbers or media coverage but in how it influences museum practices and cultural policies for years to come.
Conclusion
The ICOM Dubai 2025 partnerships are a defining moment for Dubai’s cultural journey and the global museum sector. They reflect a shared belief that culture is a force for unity, innovation, and progress.
By bringing together diverse partners across industries, Dubai is setting a new global standard for collaboration and cultural diplomacy. As the world looks ahead to the ICOM General Conference in 2025, the message is clear. Museums are not just guardians of the past, they are creators of the future.
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