The Mohammed bin Rashid Library, alongside a select group of experts and specialists in the fields of museums, heritage, and culture from around the world, is participating in the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM Dubai 2025), hosted in Dubai from November 11 to 17, under the theme 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies.'
Through this participation, the library presents a comprehensive vision that reflects its role in preserving intellectual heritage and developing modern museum systems. It showcases its distinguished experience in establishing the Museum of Treasures and the Conservation Center, in addition to displaying a collection of its rare holdings that represent outstanding models of humanity's manuscript and printed heritage, within an interactive platform that highlights efforts in digitization and knowledge sustainability.
During the ICOM exhibition, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library presents a collection of its rare holdings, which document pivotal moments in the history of human knowledge. Among the exhibits is the 'Complete Works' of the renowned English writer William Shakespeare, comprising 36 of his most famous plays, printed in 1632. Also on display is a copy of the Indian epic 'Ramayana,' one of the most ancient literary works by the poet 'Valmiki,' dating back to the 19th century. The collection also includes a rare edition of Avicenna's 'The Canon of Medicine,' published in Rome in 1593, and a copy of 'Sahih al-Bukhari' from the Mamluk era (853 AH). Furthermore, the library presents the first illustrated journey to the Middle East, documented in Bernhard von Breydenbach's 'Peregrinatio in Terram Sanctam,' which provides a unique visual narrative of his trip to Jerusalem.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library is coordinating a guided tour of its premises on November 15 as part of 'ICOM Day,' in cooperation with the International Committee for Historic House Museums (DEMHIST) and with the participation of approximately 150 visitors from representatives of museums worldwide.
The library also participates in the museum exhibition, where, alongside its rare holdings, it presents a visual display illustrating the volume of digitized books, images, and documents, in support of the knowledge sustainability track. The platform also features an exhibition of Emirati books and documents, as well as materials related to the country's history and culture, thereby enhancing efforts to preserve national heritage and develop local knowledge collections.
