Dubai: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), emphasized the crucial role of museums as dynamic spaces that preserve heritage, foster creativity, and promote cultural exchange. Speaking on International Museum Day 2025, she remarked on the significance of museums as "living spaces of memory and imagination" that connect generations, bridge cultures, and offer a deeper understanding of evolving identities.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikha Latifa expressed Dubai's pride in hosting the 27th ICOM General Conference. This landmark event, set to take place in November 2025, will gather museum professionals worldwide to discuss pressing challenges facing the sector. She highlighted the power of museums to shape identities through discovery and exchange, noting that Dubai will be the first in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region to host the conference.
Commenting on the theme of the global event, 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,' Sheikha Latifa underscored its relevance. She urged a reimagining of museums as dynamic spaces that adapt to change while remaining rooted in their communities. She emphasized Dubai's vision of evolving museums into centers of learning and creativity, sparking curiosity and empowering new generations to carry stories forward.
Sheikha Latifa described hosting the ICOM conference as more than a milestone for Dubai's cultural sector, but a celebration for the UAE. It is an opportunity to contribute to the global museum dialogue with regional voices, reflecting the nation's commitment to cultural exchange and building bridges connecting heritage with humanity's shared future.
Concluding her remarks, Sheikha Latifa expressed honor in participating in this shared mission and looked forward to forging new connections that will inspire future generations and champion the UAE's voice in shaping the global cultural narrative.