Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, along with H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, graced the opening ceremony of the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025).
According to Emirates News Agency, this significant event, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is the first of its kind to be hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The ceremony unfolded at Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City Dubai, showcasing a 20-minute theatrical production that narrated Dubai’s journey from its founding to its current status as a cultural hub.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa highlighted the collaboration between Dubai Culture and Expo City Dubai, which resulted in an artistic showcase reflecting Dubai’s creative spirit. She expressed pride in the city’s cultural evolution and its openness to global cultural exchange, marking the city’s journey from a humble settlement to a beacon of progress.
The opening event was attended by notable dignitaries, including H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other esteemed guests. The performance, titled ‘This is Dubai,’ depicted the city’s transformation, beginning with the Al Bu Falasah tribe’s settlement at Dubai Creek, through the pearl diving era, to its emergence as a multicultural metropolis.
Directed by Amna Abdullah Abu Alhoul and featuring contributions from Emirati poet Ali Al Khawar and composer Fayez Al Saeed, the performance was a testament to Dubai’s cultural identity. The production incorporated extensive historical research, transforming Al Wasl Plaza into a visual masterpiece with advanced projection and sound technology.
The event, organised in collaboration with Expo City Dubai, du, and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, celebrated Dubai’s legacy of innovation and cultural exchange, reinforcing its role as a global cultural hub.