The engaging three-day event, which took over Abu Dhabi’s scenic Corniche, commemorated 40 years of UAE-China friendship as it showcased a series of cultural exchanges, live performances, workshops, and shared visions for the future
ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 5, 2024 — The “Building Bridges for the Future UAE & China” event has come to a close after a successful three-day celebration. The event, which marked four decades of diplomatic relations between the UAE and China, attracted a large crowd to Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. Held from November 1st to 3rd, the event drew thousands of visitors, including dignitaries from both nations, to celebrate the strong friendship and shared values between the UAE and China.
The opening day saw the participation of several VIPs, including H.E. Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth, H.E. Zhang Yiming, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Ahmed Bin Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State, and H.E. Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Tourism and Culture Authority – Abu Dhabi. They inaugurated the event with a traditional welcome, followed by a tour of the exhibits, symbolizing the shared journey of the UAE and China.
Each day of the event brought new dimensions to the celebration, with attendees enjoying interactive workshops featuring hands-on experiences in traditional crafts, calligraphy, and other art forms from both Emirati and Chinese cultures. These workshops highlighted cross-cultural appreciation, offering unique insights into each nation’s artistic heritage. Guests were also captivated by live performances that fused Emirati and Chinese traditions, including dynamic Kung Fu demonstrations alongside the UAE’s traditional Al-Ayyala dance.
The event’s narrative journey through the Past, Present, and Future highlighted key milestones in UAE-China relations, beginning with the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in 1984. Visitors learned about the historical exchanges that marked the relationship’s inception, witnessed the present-day cooperation in areas such as education, environmental initiatives, and technological innovation, and got a glimpse into the future, which is rooted in a shared vision for global peace and prosperity.
Reflecting the spirit of mutual respect and collaboration, this celebration showcased how two diverse cultures can walk together on a bridge of friendship and progress.
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