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 the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended the opening ceremony of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025). The gathering, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marks the first time the conference is hosted in the Middle East, Africa, or South Asia.

The ceremony took place at Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City Dubai, where a 20-minute production used 2D and 3D projections, live performance, and original music to present Dubai’s development from its founding on Dubai Creek in 1833 to its current role as a regional cultural center. Presented by Dubai Culture and Expo City Dubai, the event used the plaza’s 360-degree projection surface to recount the city’s early settlement, maritime economy, growth into a trading hub, and emergence as a diverse urban center.

Sheikha Latifa noted that the production reflected Dubai’s longstanding emphasis on cultural exchange and praised the collaboration between the participating institutions and creative teams. She highlighted the contributions of the artists and designers whose work connected the city’s past with its contemporary identity.

The ceremony was attended by several members of Dubai’s ruling family, regional dignitaries, senior officials, and Dr. Emma Nardi, President of ICOM.

Directed by Amna Abdullah Abu Alhoul, the show was created by a team of Emirati and international artists, including poet Ali Al Khawar, composer Fayez Al Saeed, vocalist Fatma Al Hashemi, narrator Huda Al Fahad, and cultural content director Reem Abdullah Al Ghaith. Expo City Dubai’s creative team produced the performance following extensive historical research into Gulf maritime records and regional archives.

The production transformed Al Wasl Plaza’s 130-metre dome using 252 laser projectors, more than 813 lighting units, 27 sound arrays, and over 150 speakers, blending traditional Emirati rhythms with contemporary orchestral elements. Organised with the support of Expo City Dubai, du, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, the event welcomed delegates of ICOM Dubai 2025 and underscored Dubai’s continued focus on culture, innovation, and international exchange.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.