Dubai, UAE, 10 November 2024: The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in partnership with the UAE chapter of the International Council of Museums (ICOM-UAE), has announced the ICOM 2024 International Symposium, a key event leading up to the 27th ICOM General Conference: ICOM Dubai 2025. The symposium, the first of its kind in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), will take place in Dubai on 12 November under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.”
The event, hosted at the Etihad Museum, will explore three key themes: Intangible Heritage, Youth Power, and New Technologies. It aims to provide a platform for discussions on how museums can adapt to the rapid changes occurring in the world today. Experts from around the globe, including local and international museum professionals, will engage in dialogue to address these issues.
Edward Rodley, Co-Founder & Principal of The Experience Alchemists (TEA), will open the symposium with a keynote speech on “New Technologies,” discussing how technology can enhance or challenge museum engagement with audiences. Following this, Marjan Faraidooni, Chief Education & Culture Officer for Expo City Dubai; Dr. Simon Tanner, Professor at King’s College London; and Pablo Guayasamín Madriñán, UNESCO Programme Coordinator, will explore how museums are using technology to stay connected with their communities while preserving cultural authenticity.
His Excellency Dr. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President, will lead a discussion on safeguarding intangible heritage, joined by Dr. Abdulaziz Almusallam of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Alia Yunis, Visiting Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute. Additionally, Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi will advocate for youth empowerment in shaping the museums of tomorrow.
The symposium will also feature interactive workshops on museum topics, such as collection documentation and emergency planning. These workshops will provide valuable insights into best practices for safeguarding heritage and preparing for crises.
ICOM, founded in 1946, is a global leader in museum development, with over 50,000 members worldwide.
