The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will be a key participant in the International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference 2025, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 11 to 17 November under the theme ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’.
The DCT Abu Dhabi delegation will join an international community of cultural practitioners, including museum directors, architects, historians, curators, artists and educators. Together, they will contribute to critical conversations shaping how museums evolve and engage with rapidly transforming societies.
On Friday, 14 November, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, will deliver opening remarks. His address will emphasise the emirate’s commitment to the museum as a cornerstone institution, outlining how Abu Dhabi has built a world-class cultural ecosystem designed to create belonging, expand opportunities and enhance cultural life. He will also explore the role museums play in inspiring youth and advancing global cultural exchange.
Visitors to the DCT Abu Dhabi booth will discover a central exhibition space surrounded by themed zones dedicated to Saadiyat Cultural District’s major museums: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, alongside the newly reopened Al Ain Museum. The booth uses immersive storytelling to demonstrate Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision, blending heritage stewardship with innovation.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s Culture Sector will lead a range of panel discussions during the conference, covering subjects such as the balance between natural and cultural heritage, new approaches to children’s museum experiences, and the contribution of art to urban life in Arab cities. Experts from the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Culture Sector will take part.
Further satellite sessions hosted in the Exhibition Theatre will explore forward-thinking methods for learning, creativity and heritage engagement. Highlights 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 programmes reflect DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to encouraging youth involvement, nurturing creative skills and deepening appreciation for heritage across the nation.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s involvement in ICOM 2025 reinforces its position as a leading global cultural institution, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to preservation, creativity and technological progress.
