The Museums Commission participated today in the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), being held in Dubai from November 11 to 17, 2025.
The conference, themed "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities," has drawn a diverse group of museum experts and institutions from across the globe, according to a press release issued by the commission on Wednesday.
On the first day of the conference, the Museums Commission unveiled its pavilion, showcasing the Kingdom's efforts to develop its national and regional museum ecosystem. The exhibit highlights the commission's key initiatives and projects aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, as part of its mission to transform museums into vibrant community hubs that enhance cultural communication and revitalize values of identity and heritage.
The pavilion features interactive and visual displays highlighting the transformation of the museum sector in Saudi Arabia. These displays showcase the diversity of exhibited experiences, the adoption of modern technologies in presentation and documentation, and programs that empower national talent in conservation, research, design, and the overall museum experience.
The release added that the commission’s representatives will also participate in various conference panels and sessions. These speakers will highlight the evolution of Saudi Arabia's museum landscape over the past decade and discuss the crucial role museums play in documenting social and cultural shifts. They will also explore how these institutions are strengthening the Kingdom's presence on the global cultural landscape.
This participation reinforces the Museums Commission's presence in international forums and reaffirms its commitment to fostering professional dialogue within the global museum community. It also underscores the importance of exchanging expertise in areas of museum management, exhibition development strategies, and the adoption of digital solutions that keep pace with the rapid changes in modern communities.
The commission affirmed that its participation in ICOM Dubai represents an opportunity to showcase Saudi Arabia’s experience in building an integrated museum sector that contributes to preserving national memory and safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage. Additionally, it allows the commission to explore the future of museums as open spaces for dialogue, creativity, and education.
The ICOM conference is considered one of the world's most influential events in the museum sector, bringing together distinguished experts, cultural leaders, and museum professionals to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing cultural institutions amidst rapid technological and social transformations. This underscores the Kingdom's growing stature and leadership role on the global cultural landscape.
