Dubai: Dubai has opened the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025), marking the first time the global gathering has been held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the conference is being held under the patronage of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also chairs The Executive Council of Dubai.

Held under the theme 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities', the conference brought together more than 4,500 museum specialists, cultural leaders and policymakers from around the world.

The opening ceremony featured an address by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Chairperson, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who said the gathering reflects a shared global vision committed to shaping the future of humanity.

Sheikha Latifa added hosting the event underscores Dubai's growing role on the international cultural stage. The milestone highlights the UAE's belief that progress is measured through values, ambition and collective aspirations rather than physical landmarks.

The ICOM Dubai 2025 programme, curated by the event's organising committee, included keynote speeches from leading cultural figures such as renowned sculptor El Anatsui, ICOM President Emma Nardi and ICOM Director General Medea S. Ekner.

The opening day also saw the launch of the Museum Fair, which featured innovative projects and exhibitions from over 100 institutions worldwide. The fair included sessions focused on youth engagement, emerging technologies and intangible cultural heritage.

Among the highlighted sessions were discussions on artificial intelligence in museums, reverse mentoring initiatives for youth empowerment, professional development for museum workers and strategies to address technological obsolescence in conservation practices.