Dubai, November 12, 2025: His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, participated in the opening of the 27th ICOM General Conference, Dubai 2025, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

In his opening remarks, His Excellency stated that Dubai’s hosting of the ICOM General Conference, as the first city in the region to host this global event, marks a historic milestone that reflects the UAE’s thriving museum sector at both the local and international levels. He noted that ICOM provides a unique platform for museum professionals, experts, and cultural leaders from around the world to come together and exchange ideas.

His Excellency emphasized the importance of museum in the UAE’s cultural landscape, noting that the country is deeply committed to this sector as an integral part of its cultural vision. He explained that this commitment is reflected in landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Museum of the Future in Dubai, and the recently reopened Al Ain Museum, the UAE’s first museum. He also pointed to upcoming projects such as the Natural History Museum and Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, alongside the vibrant cultural scene in Sharjah, home to numerous museums and cultural centres that continue to inspire and connect communities.

His Excellency reviewed several national initiatives led by the Ministry of Culture to document and preserve heritage, including the National Register of Artifacts in the UAE, which serves as a key platform for recording and protecting archaeological discoveries across the country.

He noted that the UAE has so far inscribed 16 elements on UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage, including the multinational file on the art of Falconry, shared by 24 countries—reflecting the nation’s ongoing efforts to safeguard cultural heritage. The UAE also serves as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, reaffirming its role as a trusted partner within the global cultural community.

Moreover, on the multilateral stage, the UAE led the adoption of the UNESCO Framework for Culture and Arts Education in Abu Dhabi, which highlights the role of museums as spaces for learning, creativity, and cultural exchange.

The conference brings together thousands of museum professionals, cultural experts, and thought leaders from around the world to discuss the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies.” Its scientific programme features a series of sessions and interactive workshops addressing three main pillars: the power of youth, new technologies, and intangible cultural heritage.

The UAE was selected to host and organize the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums after competing with Sweden and Russia. With this milestone, Dubai becomes the first city in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia to host this prestigious international event since ICOM’s establishment in 1946.
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