The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is set to participate in the International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference 2025, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 11 to 17 November. This year’s event is themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’.
Representatives from DCT Abu Dhabi will join a broad international gathering of cultural leaders, including directors of major museums, architects, artists, academics, curators and educators. Their contributions will help advance discussions on the evolving role of museums and their impact on global cultural cooperation.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, will deliver a welcome address on Friday, 14 November. His keynote will explore Abu Dhabi’s strong belief in the transformative role of museums, highlighting how the emirate has built a thriving museum ecosystem that underpins community connection, opportunity and cultural vibrancy. He will also address the role of museums in inspiring young people and contributing to cultural dialogue on an international scale.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s exhibition booth will feature a central pavilion surrounded by dedicated sections showcasing the Saadiyat Cultural District’s key museums. These include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, along with the newly reopened Al Ain Museum. The booth has been designed as an immersive, story-driven space that reflects Abu Dhabi’s cultural ambitions, from heritage preservation to pioneering innovation.
Throughout the week, DCT Abu Dhabi’s Culture Sector will host a series of panel discussions addressing themes such as the relationship between natural and cultural heritage, creative approaches to children’s exhibitions, and the role of art in shaping Arab cities. Speakers will include experts from the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Culture Sector.
In addition, DCT Abu Dhabi’s Culture Sector will run satellite sessions at the Exhibition Theatre focused on new methods of learning, creativity, and cultural heritage engagement. Key sessions include The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Youth Programme: If the Museum Was Listening, What Would We Tell It?; Voices of the Future: Youth Perspectives on Culture through the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Digital Resource; DCTLEARN: Empowering Talent and Cultivating Creativity in the Cultural and Creative Industries; Bringing Intangible Heritage to Life: The ICH.ae Learning Platform for K–12 Students; and Discover the Al Ain Museum. These activities highlight DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to supporting youth participation, nurturing creativity and strengthening heritage awareness across the UAE.
By participating in ICOM 2025, DCT Abu Dhabi reaffirms its leadership in the global cultural landscape, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding heritage, promoting cultural expression and advancing innovation.