"ICOM Dubai 2025" The banner is handed over to the Dutch city of Rotterdam, which hosts the international conference edition "ICOM 2028"
Dubai, 15 November / WAM / The organizing committee of ICOM Dubai 2025 handed over the ICOM banner to the Dutch city of Rotterdam, which will host the 28th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM 2028), during the closing ceremony of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025), which was held under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and President of the UAE. The Cabinet and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and Dubai hosted it for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, where the flag was distinguished by its details being inspired by the embroideries and masterpieces of the traditional Talli craft, to reflect the spirit of local cultural identity, the country’s connection to its intangible cultural heritage, and its approach to preserving heritage and celebrating it as a source of pride for future generations.
The implementation of the “AECOM” banner project witnessed a series of precise and sequential stages, starting with the production of individual tali strips, through to the formation of the “AECOM” logo and attaching its letters to the fabric in an elaborate manner that reflects craftsmanship precision and Emirati artistic creativity. Three copies of the flag were produced, one of which was delivered to the Dutch city of Rotterdam, while the second copy was deposited in the archives of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), while Dubai kept the third copy as the city that hosted the current session. A group of female national craftswomen from various emirates of the country participated in weaving the banner according to the traditions of the authentic Talli craft, to present a distinctive artistic work that embodies the aesthetics of the local heritage and the precision of its inherited arts, and reflects the presence of Emirati crafts as an integral part of the country’s cultural identity.
Emirati artist Sarah Al Khayal, with the support of Sandooq Al Watan as a contributing partner, designed the flag so that this work embodies a harmonious interaction between contemporary creativity and the craft of talli weaving, which over time has formed a symbol of local identity and the ingenuity of Emirati women. This initiative confirms Dubai’s commitment to protecting traditional crafts, preserving living heritage, celebrating its cultural value, and enhancing its presence on the global map.
The design features the “AECOM” logo in two shades of blue, woven using four traditional Tilly stitches: “Watermelon Funkh,” “Barwi/Al-Mashara,” “Al-Fan,” and “Koli.” Each stitch represents an artistic heritage that reflects the skill of craftswomen and embodies the diversity of the Emirati cultural fabric, while these stitches integrate together to embody the conference slogan, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies.” Through the intersection and harmony of these inscriptions, an artistic painting is formed that expresses the unity of diversity by mixing originality with innovation, and highlights the status of culture as a bridge of communication between peoples, a platform for anticipating the future, and celebrates creativity rooted in Emirati heritage.
It is noteworthy that the UAE succeeded in 2022 in including the craft of Talli on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, in a step that reflects the country’s keenness to preserve and preserve this rich heritage, make it known globally, and highlight its precious values, in addition to emphasizing the importance of providing the appropriate environment to ensure the sustainability of heritage industries.
Talli is a traditional craft practiced by women in Emirati homes, and it is one of the most prominent components of the local cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations over time. This handicraft is distinguished by its fine metal and silk threads, bright colors, and designs inspired by elements of the local environment, making it an authentic art that reflects the identity of Emirati society and its aesthetic taste. To this day, “Al-Tali” is still a living craft that is taught and passed down within families, schools, and cultural centers, maintaining its renewed presence as an art that brings together generations and embodies the spirit of creativity and Emirati identity.
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