Ithra Showcases Heritage and Innovation at 27th ICOM General Conference in Dubai

📷SPA

Dubai, November 13, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) –The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is participating in the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), held from November 11–17 in Dubai under the theme “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.” This year marks the first time the triennial global museum gathering is hosted in the Middle East.

Ithra Head of Museum Farah Abushullaih said that the Center’s participation aims to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships and highlight how heritage and innovation can be integrated across artistic and craft practices. She noted that Ithra is presenting several key initiatives, including “Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet,” the Ithra Art Prize, and the Khoos Initiative.

According to the Center, Ithra is contributing three research papers to the conference:

• Sustainability of the Craft: Ithra Museum Methodology as a Model for Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Work

• The Power of Independence through Educating Unskilled Employees to Highly Skilled Professionals at Ithra Museum

• Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet

At its pavilion, Ithra is showcasing its curatorial approach across art, craft, collections and education, with a focus on three major projects: “Khoos,” “In Praise of the Artisan,” and “Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet.” The Center said the projects demonstrate its efforts to connect tangible heritage with contemporary creative practices.

Ithra’s participation also includes screening the short film “Sa’fa” (A Frond) by director Mahmoud Kaabour, which explores palm-frond weaving in Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The ICOM General Conference, held once every three years, is considered one of the world’s leading museum forums, bringing together experts, cultural institutions and policy-makers to address developments in the museum field.