Sheikha Latifa Witnesses Signing of Strategic Partnership Agreements for ICOM Dubai 2025
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), today witnessed the signing of a series of strategic partnership agreements between the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Dubai 2025 Organising Committee and leading government and private entities to ensure the successful hosting of the 27th ICOM General Conference (ICOM Dubai 2025).
Organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the event will take place from 11th to 18th November at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Sheikha Latifa said that hosting ICOM Dubai 2025 reflects the UAE’s recognition of the transformative power of culture, heritage, and creativity in shaping societies.
“These partnerships embody our shared commitment across the public and private sectors to advance knowledge and support the global museum community. This spirit of collaboration is not new to Dubai or the UAE; it is deeply rooted in who we are as a nation, working together with a shared sense of responsibility and purpose,” she stated.
Sheikha Latifa further highlighted that progress is a collective endeavor that has brought the UAE remarkable achievements on both national and international levels. “Through this event, we reaffirm our city’s role as a global platform for dialogue and creativity, and as a place where collaboration continues to shape a brighter, more connected future,” she added.
The newly signed partnerships unite key national stakeholders, including du, the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, Expo City Dubai, Dubai Business Events, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Dubai Airports, and ICOM UAE.
These collaborations represent a significant step in aligning resources, expertise, and shared vision to deliver a landmark edition of ICOM’s General Conference in Dubai this November.
The agreements were formalised at Expo City Dubai in the presence of Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Chairperson of the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee; Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai; Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du); Saeed Ali Al Fazari, Executive Director, Strategy Affairs Sector, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency, Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai; Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Khawla Al Mehairi, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Government Communications, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; Majed Al Joker, CEO of Dubai Airports; and Nasir Al Darmaki, Chair of ICOM UAE.
ICOM Dubai 2025 will be held for the first time in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia region. The conference is expected to bring together over 4,500 museum professionals, cultural leaders, and experts under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”
Featuring a comprehensive scientific programme centered around three sub-themes – Intangible Heritage, Youth Power, and New Technologies – the event will foster critical inquiry, inspire collaboration, and generate innovative perspectives to advance the global museum sector.
Through the support of its partners, the ICOM Dubai 2025 Organising Committee reaffirms its commitment to delivering a world-class conference that will have both immediate impact and lasting legacy. Each partner will play a vital role in ensuring the success of ICOM Dubai 2025, setting new benchmarks for partnership and cross-sector collaboration.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM), established in 1946, is the leading global organisation dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and development of museums and the museum profession. With over 60,000 members across 139 countries and territories, ICOM serves as a platform for museum professionals worldwide – including curators, conservators, educators, researchers, and directors – to champion museums’ essential role in cultural preservation, sustainability, and societal development.
