The distinguished Building Bridges for the Future: UAE-China event, reflecting the spirit of unity and collaboration between the UAE and China, will be held in cooperation with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. The event will take place over three days, from November 1-3 2024, on Abu Dhabi Corniche, and commemorates 40 years of enduring partnership between the UAE and China. Featuring several engaging activities, the event will reflect the shared values and forward-looking vision that unite both nations.
The event’s theme, Reflecting on The Past, Present, and Future, pays tribute to the deep-rooted ties, milestones, and collaborative spirit that have defined the UAE-China relationship since 1984. The UAE currently maintains two diplomatic representative offices in China, in Beijing and Shanghai, and this strong bond has continued to develop over the past number of years, with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, visiting China in June 2024.
Visitors to the Corniche will experience a rich tapestry of Emirati and Chinese culture, with interactive workshops that invite attendees to explore traditional crafts from both nations. Through hands-on activities like calligraphy, fan painting, and basket weaving, guests can experience the artistry that has been passed down through generations, celebrating the shared values of craftsmanship and heritage.
Throughout the event, a myriad of live performances will light up the area, showcasing the musical and martial traditions of both cultures. Visitors can enjoy traditional Emirati Oud music and Tai Chi, and Kung Fu, with each display honouring the distinct cultural essence of its origin.
The celebration further extends to the culinary realm, where guests can savour authentic dishes that capture the heart of both cuisines, from Emirati staples like Harees Alfareej and Al Fanar to beloved Chinese classics such as Fat Aunts and Asian Wok dishes. Artisan stalls situated along the Corniche will display handcrafted goods from Emirati and Chinese artists, providing an intimate view into each nation's cultural richness. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, a roaming Dragon Dance and Al-Ayyala performers will weave through the crowds, filling Abu Dhabi’s Corniche with the colours, sounds, and spirit of celebration, embodying the unity at the heart of the UAE-China partnership.
To further strengthen cross-cultural communication and understanding, the Hundred Schools Project, which was initiated in 2019, has significantly enhanced Chinese language proficiency among Emirati students. As well as this, since its establishment in 1994, the Sheikh Zayed Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies in Beijing has graduated over 1,000 students, reinforcing a legacy of educational exchange.
Over the decades, both nations have fostered collaboration in areas such as trade, education, technology, and environmental preservation.
The China Cultural Center in the UAE exemplifies this friendship through its commitment to fostering cultural exchange, understanding and collaboration. Its efforts reach across Emirati society, engaging local communities and creating opportunities for authentic dialogue and shared growth.
Building bridges for the future UAE & China is sure to be a opportunity for visitors to celebrate the strength of the UAE-China partnership and explore the common values that bridge the cultures of both nations. In commemorating this milestone, the nation will also look to a future where this partnership continues to benefit both the people of the UAE and the world.
