Dubai: The opening of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) has taken place at Expo City Dubai, marking a milestone as the event is hosted in the region for the first time.
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, and Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended the official opening ceremony of the ICOM Dubai 2025.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the event marked a historic milestone as the ICOM conference took place for the first time in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
This evening, I attended the opening ceremony of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025) at Expo City Dubai. Held under the iconic Al Wasl Dome, the ceremony featured “This is Dubai,” a captivating show that brought to life the city’s… pic.twitter.com/jErGFeKydH
— Mansoor bin Mohammed (@sheikhmansoor) November 12, 2025
A grand cultural celebration under the Al Wasl Dome
The opening evening unfolded beneath the iconic dome of Al Wasl Plaza at Expo City Dubai, the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface with a captivating artistic spectacle titled ‘This is Dubai.’ The 20-minute theatrical and musical production, jointly presented by Dubai Culture and Expo City Dubai, showcased the emirate’s remarkable journey from its humble beginnings in 1833 to its rise as a leading global cultural hub.
Through 2D and 3D projections, live performances, and original compositions, the show took the audience on an emotional journey through Dubai’s evolution, from a small coastal settlement to a cosmopolitan city that champions creativity, openness, and cultural exchange.
A tribute to Dubai’s cultural spirit
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa praised the collaboration between Dubai Culture and Expo City Dubai, describing the performance as a ‘true reflection of Dubai’s identity, a story of belief in the power of culture to unite people and inspire progress.’
Sheikha Latifa also lauded the Emirati and international artists who contributed to the production, noting that their creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling embody the essence of Dubai’s cultural landscape.
A historic performance
The show, directed by Amna Abdullah Abu Alhoul, was brought to life by a talented Emirati-led creative team. The poetic script was written by renowned Emirati poet Ali Al Khawar, with music composed by acclaimed musician Fayez Al Saeed. The performance featured operatic vocals by Emirati artist Fatma Al Hashemi, narration by poet and media figure Huda Al Fahad, and cultural direction by Reem Abdullah Al Ghaith.
Produced by Expo City Dubai’s in-house creative team, the performance involved over 100 hours of rehearsals and more than 380 hours of historical research. The creative team explored early Gulf maritime treaties, British India Office archives, and regional records to authentically portray Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village into a beacon of innovation and trade.
Cutting-edge technology meets heritage
Al Wasl Plaza’s 130-meter dome served as the visual heart of the production, illuminated by 252 Christie D4K40-RGB laser projectors and over 813 lighting units. Supported by 27 sound arrays and more than 150 speakers, the score merged traditional Emirati rhythms with modern orchestral arrangements, creating a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity.
Prestigious attendees and global significance
In attendance were members of Dubai’s royal family and distinguished guests, including His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, His Highness Prince Rashid bin Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Saud, Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, and Dr. Emma Nardi, President of ICOM.
The ceremony underscored Dubai’s growing reputation as a global cultural capital and a destination that connects heritage with innovation.
Organized in collaboration with Expo City Dubai, du, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the event celebrated the spirit of partnership and creativity, hallmarks of Dubai’s evolution into a leading hub for cultural exchange, innovation, and knowledge.
MOST READ | ITC launches AViTOMS platform to regulate autonomous vehicles
