Dubai Hosts Global Museum Delegates on UAE Cultural Tours

Dubai welcomed museum professionals from around the world with a rich cultural showcase as part of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025). Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event marked the first time the global conference was hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Alongside the main sessions, delegates were offered a series of curated excursions designed to highlight the UAE’s diverse heritage and its growing role as a cultural hub.

The Local Social Programme featured immersive day trips spread across all seven emirates. Each tour was planned to reflect the character and identity of the host emirate, creating a balanced journey through heritage, innovation, nature, and contemporary creativity. Delegates explored traditional souks, ecological landmarks, modern museums, and archaeological landscapes that showcase the country’s evolution from its ancient roots to its futuristic present.

Some of the standout locations included Al Ain Oasis and Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, Mleiha Archaeological Centre and the Heritage Museum in Sharjah, and cultural landmarks in Abu Dhabi such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan. In Ras Al Khaimah, visitors toured Dhayah Fort and the National Museum, while in Dubai, they experienced a mix of history and innovation at the Museum of the Future, Etihad Museum, and Al Shindagha Museum. Ajman Museum and the archaeological sites of Tell-Abraq and Ed-Dour in Umm Al Quwain added further depth to the programme.

Running parallel to the local tours, the Regional Excursions Programme gave delegates an extended window into the broader cultural landscape of the Middle East. Multi-day trips to Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan introduced participants to neighbouring museum ecosystems, offering insights into shared heritage, preservation efforts, and regional narratives that continue to shape cultural identity.

The combination of local and regional experiences provided participants not just a glimpse of the UAE’s offerings, but a wider understanding of how museums across the region work to protect stories, traditions, and knowledge. These journeys reinforced the essence of ICOM’s mission—bringing cultures together through exchange, learning, and meaningful on-ground discovery.