Riding on the success of the first China-UAE Economic and Trade Digital Expo in July 2020, Hala China has announced the Chinese Digital Culture Exhibition Week in the UAE.
The virtual exhibition will feature four main themes: Culture and Tourism, Art and Design, New Digital Industry (Animation and Gaming) and Cultural Creativity.
It will run from November 18-25 and is organised by China Culture & Entertainment Industry Association (CCEA) and Hala China, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, the Embassy of the UAE in China, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the UAE, and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai.
The event aims to promote the UAE as a multicultural destination, in addition to fostering communication and providing opportunities to engage the youth in both countries through a packed agenda of workshops and seminars.
There will be a friendly PUBG e-sport competition between China and the UAE, in collaboration with Tencent Games, as well as sessions on music and audiobooks, a digital creativity exhibition, and more.
Dr. Ali Obaid al Dhaheri, the UAE's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, said: "During last year’s state visit to China by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, His Highness outlined how China and the UAE are together creating a "road map" for a century of prosperity. The future of cultural cooperation and understanding between our nations will be driven by the youth of our respective nations, inspired by the depth and intricacy of Chinese and Arabic cultures."
Ni Jian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UAE, said: "With the personal care and cultivation of our two leaderships, China-UAE traditional friendship is ever-deepening, and our comprehensive strategic partnership is making new progress. Our two countries are jointly building a community of shared future for mankind. Our shared focus on youth development has laid a solid foundation for deepening and substantiating our collaboration in digital industries and cultural exchanges."
Covering digital mediums, the exhibition will offer a sneak-peek into traditional and digital art from China such as Chinese craft puzzle, porcelain artefacts, and paper cutting among others. Visitors will also be treated to art from the region such as Arabic calligraphy and abstract art.
The week-long event will also include a photography exhibit under the patronage of Hamdan International Photography Award. Founded in 1918, the China Central Academy of Fine Arts is the first and most prestigious national arts school in China and will curate a unique display that takes visitors on an artistic journey.
"Through events such as this one, we seek to showcase the talent and capabilities of our people and enhance cross-cultural exchange, especially among the youth," said Sheikh Majid bin Abdulla Al Mualla, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hala China.
He added: "The UAE is China’s most important trade partner in the Arab world, accounting for 26 per cent of total non-oil foreign trade between China and the Arab countries. The ability to understand the language of ‘business’ will pay off in the long run."
The exhibition is particularly timely and seeks to further advance collaboration among local and international organisations in the region by creating a networking platform for industry leaders.
The event is free to attend and open to all.