"Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism" participate in "ICOM 2025 conference"

Dubai, 14 November / WAM / The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is participating in the General Conference of the International Council of Museums “ICOM 2025”, which will be held at the Dubai World Trade Center from 11 to 17 November 2025 under the slogan “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies.”

Through its participation, the Department joins an elite group of global thought leaders and experts, including directors of international cultural institutions and museums, architects, artists, museum curators, historians, academics, and young professionals, to contribute to the international dialogue aimed at shaping the future of museums and promoting cultural exchange at the local and global levels.

In his speech today, His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighted Abu Dhabi’s firm belief in the power of museums to empower communities, pointing to the emirate’s efforts to develop an integrated museum system that constitutes an infrastructure that enhances the values ​​of belonging, provides diverse opportunities, and adds a vital character to the cultural scene.

His Excellency also addressed the role of museums as major catalysts for societal transformation and youth empowerment, in addition to their effective contribution to enhancing global cultural discourse.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi pavilion at the exhibition includes a main center surrounded by designated areas that highlight the Saadiyat Cultural District and its prestigious museums and cultural sites, including the Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum – Abu Dhabi, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi, in addition to the Al Ain Museum in the Al Ain area, which was recently reopened.

The pavilion was designed to be an interactive open space based on storytelling, taking visitors on a journey through the cultural path of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, from preserving heritage to promoting innovation, embodying the department’s slogan, “Where heritage meets innovation,” in line with the themes of the ICOM 2025 conference, which focus on modern technologies and the future of museums.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, through the Culture Sector, is also organizing a series of dialogue sessions on the sidelines of the conference, covering various topics such as the relationship between natural and cultural heritage, innovative methods for designing exhibitions dedicated to children, and the evolving role of arts and creativity in Arab cities.

A number of experts from the Natural History Museum – Abu Dhabi, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, and the Department’s Culture Sector will participate in the sessions.

In addition, the Culture Sector of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi is hosting a series of interactive sessions in the exhibition theater, focusing on innovation in the fields of education, creativity and heritage, the most prominent of which include: The Youth Program at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: If the museum was listening, what would we say to it?, Voices of the Future: Youth visions about culture through the digital platform of the Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi, DCTLEARN: Empowering talent and enhancing creativity in the cultural and creative industries, Reviving intangible heritage: ICH.ae’s educational platform for students Schools from grades K–12, discover Al Ain Museum.

These initiatives reflect the department’s commitment to supporting youth participation, developing creative talent, and enhancing appreciation of cultural heritage.

As a major partner and participant in the conference, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi consolidates its position as a pioneer in the global cultural scene, and embodies its ongoing commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting heritage through harnessing technology and innovation.

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