Aligarh, November 21: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) made a notable impact at the 27th ICOM General Conference at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where museum leaders and professionals from more than 135 countries gathered to discuss “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.” The prestigious event, attended by nearly 5,000 participants, focused on how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can help museums respond to fast-evolving demographic, social, and environmental challenges.
Representing AMU, Prof. Abduraheem K., Chairperson of the Department of Museology, and Ms. Farha, Senior Research Fellow, presented a forward-looking paper on integrating AI-driven innovation into museum practice. Their presentation stressed the urgency of adopting advanced technologies to protect intangible cultural heritage and enhance community engagement through interactive, immersive, and participatory experiences. They called for a shift from traditional collection-centred preservation to AI-enabled approaches that bring cultural narratives to life for increasingly diverse audiences.
The conference opened with keynote addresses by leading dignitaries, including Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, Sheikh Salem Bin Khalid Al Qassimi, and Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to cultural leadership and innovation. Leaders such as Hala Badri and Rakan Altouq emphasised the rising importance of global cultural collaboration.
On the sidelines of the conference, Prof. Abduraheem K. held productive discussions with Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi on potential partnerships for museum development between India and the UAE. The conversation signals promising opportunities for joint initiatives to strengthen museum infrastructure, foster innovation, and deepen cultural ties between the two countries.
AMU’s presence at ICOM Dubai 2025 reaffirms its growing global stature and its commitment to advancing museum studies through innovation, research, and international cooperation.
