Dubai Showcases Cultural Brilliance at ICOM 2025 Opening

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

On Wednesday night, Dubai captivated the world with the stunning opening ceremony for the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) at Al Wasl Plaza, located in Expo City Dubai. Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this landmark event is notable as it marks the inaugural hosting of the prestigious conference in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

The ceremony welcomed 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, alongside numerous dignitaries, royals, and international cultural figures.

Set against the backdrop of Al Wasl Plaza—home to the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface—guests enjoyed ‘This is Dubai’, a mesmerizing 20-minute theatrical and musical presentation collaboratively produced by Dubai Culture and Expo City Dubai. The immersive show vividly illustrated Dubai’s extraordinary journey from its humble roots by the Creek in 1833 to its emergence as a beacon of global culture.

This narrative unfolded through four distinct acts, charting the emirate’s history from the inception of its first settlements through the pearl diving era and onto its establishment as a vibrant trading nexus, culminating in its current status as an inclusive cosmopolitan metropolis. Each segment seamlessly fused traditional Emirati storytelling with cutting-edge technology, effectively transforming the dome into a living illustration of Dubai’s rich history.

Directed by Amna Abdullah Abu Alhoul, the production showcased the creative contributions of both local and international artists. The poetic narrative crafted by renowned Emirati writer Ali Al Khawar, along with the musical composition by Fayez Al Saeed, created a gripping rhythm that guided the audience through time. Performance highlights included operatic vocals by Fatma Al Hashemi and narration by Huda Al Fahad, adding layers of emotional resonance, while Reem Abdullah Al Ghaith curated the cultural content.

The magnificent presentation featured 252 high-definition projectors, over 800 lighting units, and more than 150 speakers, transforming Al Wasl Plaza into an audiovisual masterpiece. The soundtrack intertwined traditional Emirati rhythms with contemporary orchestral elements, symbolizing Dubai’s harmonious fusion of heritage and modernity.

Crafted by Expo City Dubai’s creative team, this performance was the culmination of over 380 hours of meticulous historical research and an additional 100 hours of rehearsals, drawing upon archival materials that chronicled Dubai’s early maritime and commercial legacy.

As attendees from museums around the globe gathered, the evening transcended a mere opening ceremony—it emerged as a tribute to culture, creativity, and a shared connection among nations. This event epitomized Dubai's profound belief in cultural exchange as a fundamental avenue for fostering human inspiration.