27th ICOM General Conference will be hosted in Dubai, under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”. It is for the first time ICOM Conference held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA). The ICOM 2024 International Symposium as part of the preparations for the 27th ICOM General Conference: ICOM Dubai 2025, was hosted by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in close collaboration with the UAE chapter of the International Council of Museums (ICOM-UAE), convened at the Etihad Museum on 12 November.
The symposium was focused on three interconnected dimensions of the main theme: Intangible Heritage, Youth Power, and New Technologies. Edward Rodley, Co-Founder & Principal of The Experience Alchemists (TEA), His Excellency Dr. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President, and Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, made keynote speeches on highlighting how technologies can help or hinder museums in reaching audiences, illustrating significance of safeguarding intangible heritage, and advocating for youth empowerment in shaping the museums of tomorrow. Discussions focused on how museums can adapt to rapid change while preserving authentic cultural connections, offering opportunities for dialogue and intellectual exchange among executive council members and local and international museum experts.
Source: ICOM, Media Office UAE