The second day of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) brought together cultural leaders at the Dubai World Trade Centre for focused discussions on how museums can respond to rapid global change. The conference, held for the first time in the Middle East and South Asia, is organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Day Two of ICOM Dubai 2025 Underscores Curatorial Dialogue and Global Collaboration
Opening the day, Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Chair of the Organising Committee, described Dubai’s path to hosting ICOM as a sustained national effort shaped by the values of determination and responsibility. She credited the leadership of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for steering a vision that positions culture as a force shaping the future. Badri underlined Dubai’s commitment to advancing museum practice through innovation, and to strengthening ICOM’s global legacy through inclusive, professional standards.
Rakan bin Ibrahim Al Touq, Assistant Minister of Culture of Saudi Arabia, used his keynote address to outline the Kingdom’s museum initiatives, emphasising the need to rethink how museums interpret narratives for rapidly changing societies. He noted that Saudi Arabia is building a connected ecosystem of national and specialised museums designed to engage communities and support new models of participation.
The day’s programme examined how museums respond to shifts in social values and demographics. Sessions included a conversation on the redistribution of authority in cultural institutions with Farid Rakun and Dr. Natalie McGuire, and a panel on multi-species perspectives in museums featuring Merkerem Assegued Bantiwalu, Takashi Kudo, and Dr. Neha Vora.
Experts also met to discuss revisions to the ICOM Code of Ethics, underscoring the need for museums to remain more human-centred and responsive to contemporary social realities. Additional forums explored environmental restoration, museum leadership, conservation, visitor experience, and youth participation. Masterclasses and networking programmes connected delegates with institutions across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Concurrently, the Museum Fair offered delegates demonstrations of Emirati heritage, hands-on workshops, and culinary experiences that highlighted the region’s cultural traditions.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
