As part of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre hosted a launch event for the Arabic edition of “The Belt and Road Initiative” by Chinese President Xi Jinping, a book originally released in September 2013 aiming at enhancing exchange, cooperation, and innovation across various fields between China and European and Asian countries.s.

The event was attended by His Excellency Zhang Yiming, the Chinese Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, and His Excellency Mr. Du Zhanyuan, Chairman of the China International Communications Group.

His Excellency Zhang Yiming praised the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair for its continuous development and significant influence in the Middle East. He expressed his delight at presenting the President’s initiative in Arabic during the fair, which strongly emphasises the Chinese cultural element and opens a new window for Arab readers to explore the impacts of this cooperation.

The attendees emphasised the necessity of Arab-Chinese cooperation through various initiatives that bridge the cultural and linguistic differences and strive to build a common destiny between China and the Arab nations, shaping economic and political policies that lead to international relations based on mutual interests and a shared human destiny.

A key session during the book launch was moderated by Liu Shuangyan, Director-General of International Cooperation at the China International Communications Group. The session focused on Chinese-Emirati and broader Arab relations, with representatives from several centres specialising in Chinese-Arab affairs highlighting diverse initiatives that have fostered closer ties despite cultural and linguistic differences, thanks to the significant scientific and practical importance of the President’s initiative which deepens intercultural communication and mutual learning.

The Arabic edition of the book was presented to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and distinguished guests, signifying the ongoing and evolving cultural relations between the UAE and China. Notably, the People's Republic of China was honoured as the guest country at the 27th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in 2017.

The UAE and the People's Republic of China enjoy 40 years of strategic and continually evolving bilateral relations, rooted in the UAE’s commitment to fostering dialogue between different cultures, finding common ground, promoting acceptance of others, cultural harmony, and tolerance, and establishing a true partnership leading to development based on respect for history, traditions, customs, values, and heritage.