Latifa bint Mohammed Welcomes ICOM Board Members to Dubai

Photo : Dubai government media office

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), recently hosted a significant meeting with the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Executive Board, including ICOM President Dr. Emma Nardi, Director General Medea S. Ekner, members of the ICOM Secretariat, and ICOM UAE Chair Nasir Al Darmaki. Held at the Etihad Museum as part of the ICOM 2024 International Symposium in Dubai, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to global cultural engagement.

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In her welcome address, Her Highness expressed gratitude for ICOM’s enduring contributions to supporting museums worldwide. She reaffirmed Dubai’s commitment to ICOM’s mission, saying, “Dubai is deeply honored to partner with ICOM in supporting museums as vital custodians of our collective cultural heritage; our shared vision is to strengthen the role of museums, not only as spaces of preservation but as dynamic centers for cultural exchange, knowledge, and innovation.” Emphasizing the partnership’s aim to inspire future generations, she stated that Dubai is committed to fostering a vibrant museum sector that promotes local heritage and a global cultural perspective.

The meeting highlighted Dubai’s upcoming role as host of the 27th ICOM General Conference in 2025, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region. This milestone reflects Dubai’s position as a global hub for culture and creativity. Her Highness reiterated Dubai Culture’s commitment to promoting heritage, supporting creative sectors, and enhancing international connections. She assured me that the conference would make a significant impact on enhancing the museum sector at both local and global levels.

Looking beyond the 2025 conference, Her Highness discussed Dubai’s aspirations for an enduring partnership with ICOM. These plans include establishing regional best practices for museums, launching cultural exchange programs, and developing training initiatives aimed at building capacity and engaging youth in the museum field.

Dubai secured the bid to host the 2025 ICOM General Conference in 2021 through a proposal led by ICOM-UAE in collaboration with Dubai Culture, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. The event is expected to attract over 4,000 museum professionals and experts from around the world and serve as a platform for the global museum community to exchange ideas and strategies.

Founded in 1946, ICOM plays a fundamental role in the cultural sector, with over 53,000 members across 130 countries, representing more than 20,000 museums worldwide. Through this partnership, Dubai aims to strengthen its role in the global museum community, furthering heritage preservation, cultural innovation, and international collaboration within the MENASA region.