ICOM Dubai 2025 Highlights Evolution of Museums on Day Two

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The second day of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) unfolded at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring impactful discussions on the evolution of museums in a rapidly changing environment. This significant event marks the inaugural ICOM conference in the Middle East and South Asia, attracting cultural leaders, curators, researchers, and museum professionals worldwide.

Kicking off the day, Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Chairperson of the Organising Committee, spoke about Dubai's endeavor to host this prestigious global gathering. She acknowledged long-term commitments and values instilled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Badri also credited Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for influencing the vision of the event, which revolves around Intangible Heritage, New Technologies, and Youth Power—three central pillars that invite global discourse on museums as vital preservers of cultural identity.

Badri emphasized that this conference encapsulates Dubai's ambition to redefine museum practices within the framework of inclusivity, accessibility, and a forward-thinking approach to cultural dialogue.

A focal point of the day was the keynote presentation by Rakan bin Ibrahim Al Touq, Assistant Minister of Culture in Saudi Arabia, who shared insights about the expanding museum sector in Saudi Arabia and its move towards a network of national and specialized institutions. He highlighted the evolving identity of museums as civic spaces that facilitate public engagement and new storytelling.

Kamini Sawhney followed with her keynote questioning, “Whose Museum Is It Anyway?” She delved into rebuilding public trust and enhancing relationships between museums and their communities.

Throughout the day, debates focused on the evolving function of museums concerning shifting values, demographics, and global cultural expectations. A key dialogue titled “Reframing Power: Whose Stories Do Museums Tell?” brought together artists and curators from the Global South to explore shared cultural practices and more community-driven narratives.

The session “The Interconnectivity of Life” examined multi-species perspectives within museum discourse, featuring contributions from Zoma Museum, teamLab, and renowned academics. Concurrently, a roundtable discussion on the ICOM Code of Ethics assessed how museums can maintain a human-centric and responsible approach amid societal changes.

The day also included specialized mentoring sessions focused on leadership, conservation, visitor engagement, and youth involvement. Diverse masterclasses, such as reverse mentoring led by Singapore’s Youth Panel, provided practical toolkits for enhancing visitor experiences in museum areas.

Additionally, delegates engaged in curated networking excursions through cultural institutions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, visiting diverse sites like Ishara Art Foundation, Alserkal, Museum of the Future, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, and NYU Abu Dhabi.

Meanwhile, strong interest was documented at the Museum Fair, where Emirati heritage shone through live Talli embroidery, artisan displays, henna art, and coffee tasting. Interactive activities like keychain crafting and bespoke scent-making enriched the fair's sensory experience. Emirati chefs presented traditional canapés, weaving food into cultural narratives for an immersive experience.

As Day Two came to a close, ICOM Dubai 2025 confirmed its position as a premier global platform for exchanging innovative ideas on identity, heritage, and the future of cultural institutions, illustrating the necessity for museums to evolve in unity with their communities.