Dubai Unveils Spectacular Opening of ICOM 2025

Dubai set the global stage alight on Wednesday night as it hosted the magnificent opening ceremony of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City Dubai. The landmark event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marked the first time the prestigious conference is being hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

The ceremony was attended by 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, along with several dignitaries, royals, and international cultural leaders.

Under the awe-inspiring dome of Al Wasl Plaza — the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface — guests witnessed ‘This is Dubai’, a 20-minute theatrical and musical spectacle jointly presented by Dubai Culture and Expo City Dubai. The immersive performance brought to life Dubai’s transformation from its humble beginnings on the banks of the Creek in 1833 to its rise as a global cultural capital.

The show unfolded through four acts, tracing the emirate’s journey from the founding of its first settlements to the pearl diving era, its early days as a trading hub, and finally, its evolution into a cosmopolitan city of belonging. Each scene blended traditional Emirati storytelling with cutting-edge technology, turning the dome into a living, breathing canvas of Dubai’s history.

Directed by Amna Abdullah Abu Alhoul, the production combined the creative talents of Emirati and international artists. The poetic script by renowned Emirati writer Ali Al Khawar and music by composer Fayez Al Saeed created a captivating rhythm that carried the audience through time. Operatic performances by Fatma Al Hashemi and narration by Huda Al Fahad added emotional depth to the experience, while Reem Abdullah Al Ghaith oversaw the cultural content.

The breathtaking show featured 252 high-definition projectors, over 800 lighting units, and more than 150 speakers, transforming Al Wasl Plaza into a 360-degree audiovisual wonder. The music merged traditional Emirati beats with contemporary orchestral sounds, symbolising Dubai’s seamless balance between heritage and innovation.

Produced by Expo City Dubai’s in-house creative team, the performance was the result of more than 380 hours of historical research and 100 hours of rehearsals, drawing from archival sources that documented Dubai’s early maritime and trading legacy.

As delegates from across the world’s museums gathered, the night became more than just an opening — it was a celebration of culture, creativity, and connection. The event reflected Dubai’s enduring belief in culture as a bridge between nations and a source of inspiration for humanity.