ICOM Dubai 2025 Delegates Experience UAE's Cultural Riches

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Dubai proudly hosted museum experts from all corners of the globe during the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025). With His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the event's patron, this marked a historic occasion as the first time the global conference occurred in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. In addition to the main agenda, attendees enjoyed a variety of tailored excursions aimed at showcasing the UAE’s vibrant heritage and its rising profile as a cultural nexus.

The Local Social Programme encompassed engaging day tours throughout all seven emirates. Each itinerary was curated to reflect the unique identity and character of the corresponding emirate, creating a cohesive journey through innovation, heritage, nature, and contemporary artistry. Delegates visited traditional markets, natural landmarks, modern cultural institutions, and archaeological sites that illustrate the nation’s transformation from its ancient origins to its modern ambitions.

Highlights included the serene Al Ain Oasis and the historical Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre and the Heritage Museum in Sharjah, and significant sites in Abu Dhabi like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan. In Ras Al Khaimah, delegates explored Dhayah Fort and the National Museum, while in Dubai, attractions such as the Museum of the Future, Etihad Museum, and Al Shindagha Museum blended history with contemporary innovation. Moreover, the Ajman Museum along with archaeological locations like Tell-Abraq and Ed-Dour in Umm Al Quwain enriched the programme further.

Concurrent with these local excursions was the Regional Excursions Programme, which allowed delegates to delve into the broader cultural tapestry of the Middle East. Extended journeys to Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan enabled participants to explore regional museum ecosystems, emphasizing shared heritage, preservation efforts, and local narratives that help define cultural identity.

Together, these experiences offered participants not merely a glimpse into the UAE’s cultural treasures but also a wider perspective on how museums in the region endeavor to safeguard narratives, customs, and wisdom. This convergence of local and regional explorations epitomized ICOM's mission—fostering cultural connections through exchange, learning, and significant on-the-ground experiences.