H.H. Sheikha Latifa Highlights Transformative Role of Museums on International Museum Day 2025
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: On the occasion of International Museum Day 2025, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), emphasized the evolving role of museums as vibrant platforms for preserving heritage, fostering creativity, and promoting cultural exchange.
Speaking in celebration of the global occasion, Her Highness described museums as “living spaces of memory and imagination connecting generations, bridging cultures, and offering us a deeper understanding of who we are and who we can become.” She noted that museums serve as vital conduits for reflection and discovery, underscoring that identity is not static but continuously shaped through exploration and dialogue.
Her Highness also expressed Dubai’s pride in hosting the 27th International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference in November 2025 — a landmark event that will bring together museum professionals from around the globe for the first time in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region. She described the forthcoming conference as “a defining milestone for our cultural sector” and a significant opportunity for the UAE to contribute meaningfully to the global conversation on the future of museums.
“As Dubai prepares to host the 27th ICOM General Conference, we do so with immense pride and purpose. We are welcoming the global museum community into the heart of our heritage and the rhythm of our creative movement,” said Her Highness.
Reflecting on the conference theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” Sheikha Latifa stressed its relevance in a world marked by accelerated transformation. “It challenges us to reimagine museums as dynamic spaces that respond to the pace of change and remain rooted in the people they serve — a vision we have embraced in Dubai. Our museums are evolving to become centres of learning and creativity, sparking curiosity and empowering new generations to carry stories forward.”
She concluded by noting the broader significance of the ICOM General Conference, stating: “More than a defining milestone for our cultural sector, hosting ICOM is a celebration for the UAE. It is an invitation to contribute to the global museum dialogue with the voices, perspectives, and ideas of our region, reflecting our nation’s enduring commitment to cultural exchange and building bridges that connect heritage with humanity’s shared future.”
“We are honoured to take part in this shared mission and look forward to forging new connections that will inspire generations to come and champion our voice in shaping the global cultural narrative,” Her Highness added.
