Dubai: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, announced the signing of a strategic partnership with Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, aimed at enhancing Dubai’s cultural scene. This partnership underscores Dubai’s ambition to strengthen its position as a global center for creativity and innovation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement plays a crucial role in supporting the hosting of the 27th International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference – Dubai 2025. Scheduled from 11 to 17 November 2025, this event will be the first of its kind in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region, and will feature an opening ceremony at the Al Wasl Plaza dome with over 4,000 delegates in attendance.
H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasized the partnership as a model for collaboration between cultural entities, aligning with Dubai’s government policies on cooperation and knowledge exchange. She expressed commitment to cultural diversity and the empowerment of Dubai’s creative sector, stating that the ICOM Dubai 2025 conference is a significant milestone for the city.
Reem Al Hashimy highlighted the partnership’s role in reinforcing Expo City Dubai’s cultural initiatives and its efforts to drive innovation within the arts sector. She noted that the collaboration would help tell Dubai’s evolving cultural narrative and solidify its status as a global hub for talent and creativity.
The partnership also involves initiatives such as the ‘Pocket Forest’ project at Terra in Expo City Dubai, inspired by the Miyawaki method, which aims to enhance urban biodiversity through native tree planting. This initiative was symbolically inaugurated by Sheikha Latifa and Reem Al Hashimy, who participated in planting the first saplings with a group of children.
The collaboration between Dubai Culture and Expo City Dubai will coincide with the ICOM Dubai 2025, featuring the Dhai Dubai Art Festival, showcasing Emirati artists across generations and the launch of the ‘House of Art’ at Expo City Dubai, offering a platform for artistic expression and dialogue.