On July 5, the Embassy of the UAE to China launched China-UAE Culture Week, a five-day marathon of virtual events available on UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC)'s social media channels. Audiences could also enjoy short videos and pictures on the official Weibo account of the Embassy of the UAE in China. The initiative aims to build an ever-stronger cultural and economic bridge between China and the UAE, elevating the robust comprehensive strategic partnership to a higher level.

Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to China at the opening event, on July 5. (Photo: Photo via Embassy of the UAE in China)

"China-UAE Culture Week will provide another strand to the broad and focused efforts to build a strong cultural and economic bridge between China and the UAE. Understanding between our peoples will be elevated over the course of these five days, as current and future generations deepen familiarity with each other," Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to China, said at the opening event.

Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri continued that the event will offer an opportunity to communicate the unique characteristics of both Arab and Chinese arts, as both countries learn each other's unique cultural value.

"Culture is as a catalyst for unity in our bilateral relationship, as well as a language of dialogue between our two nations and their peoples. Cultural cooperation is also vital as it becomes a central element of a future economy driven by knowledge, creativity, innovation and digital," Dr. Ali added.

"China-UAE friendship has a long history. Cultural exchange is an important content of China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership," Ni Jian, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, highlighted at the opening event.

"The friendly exchanges and the consolidation of friendship between the two sides are relying on close culture-to-culture exchanges, and the understanding and appreciation of each other's culture. Chinese culture is broad and profound, and the Arab culture represented by the UAE is dazzling. The cultures of both sides are precious wealth of human civilization," Ambassador Ni Jian added.

At the event, a panel discussion was held among UAE Minister of State Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE Ni Jian, Vice Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Zhang Shenfeng, and Chairman of the Board of Directors from China National Pharmaceutical Group Dr. Liu Jingzhen. A traditional Chinese cultural performance of Ya Yue was also livestreamed.

During the five-day cultural week, many cultural activities and online panels will be held. Themed Expo & Museum Culture: From Shanghai to Dubai, a panel discussion will be attended by officials and experts from World Expo Museum, Dubai's Museum of the Future, Expo 2020 Dubai and World Expo Affairs department from CCPIT.

Cultural Differences & Tolerance, Food of UAE & China, Dubai Business Associates (DBA) are the two themes for people-to-people exchanges. During the cultural week, performers will present a fusion of traditional Chinese instrument Guzheng and Middle East traditional music performances. Guests will also share their understanding on education in the UAE for Chinese students.

At the conclusion of China-UAE Cultural Week, diplomats and experts from both sides will exchange views on "The Future of Cultural Industry in the Post-Pandemic Era." Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to China; Ren Haifeng, Deputy Director of the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Center for Young People, and Ji Pengcheng, Executive Curator of China Millennium Monument Art Museum, will be attending the panel discussion.