DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES -- Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, ICOM Dubai 2025 concluded its historic edition, marking the first time the event was hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The conference, held under the theme ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,’ saw over 4,500 participants from museum professionals, cultural leaders, and decision-makers from around the world, underscoring Dubai's role as a global hub for culture, creativity, and innovation.

The final day featured key discussions, including the session ‘Cultural Diplomacy from an Emirati Perspective: Bridges of Connection and Dialogue,’ led by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture. During the session, Sheikha Latifa highlighted the UAE's cultural unity. Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, joined her, emphasising the importance of cultural diplomacy as a practice, not just a concept.

The conference also included the session ‘The Power of Narrative, Heritage, and Youth,’ which featured Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, who discussed the role of museums as vital platforms for dialogue and mutual understanding.

During his keynote, His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President, spoke about the challenges museums face in preserving the essence of creativity while adapting to change, stressing that museums are not just observers but active participants in societal transformation.

The closing ceremony also witnessed the announcement of new leadership for ICOM, with Antonio Rodriguez elected as ICOM’s new president and Nasir Al Darmaki appointed as vice president. The conference also marked the official handover of ICOM’s flag to the City of Rotterdam, which will host ICOM 2028.

ICOM Dubai 2025 also celebrated the inaugural ICOM Sustainability Award, presented to Kaye Hall of the Barbados Museum & Historical Society and Jamie Brown from the University of St. Andrews for their project “Shared Island Stories Between Scotland and the Caribbean.”

In addition, more than 100 sessions, including panel discussions, training workshops, and masterclasses, took place throughout the event.