UAE students chase Chinese dream through culture

Young Emiratis say learning Mandarin has greatly broadened their horizons. Despite the vast distance between the two nations, China wins their hearts with its long history, diverse culture and cutting-edge technologies, they say.

The students strive to gain a deep understanding of China while mastering the language and commit themselves to carrying forward bilateral friendship.

Such heartfelt aspirations stood out at Saturday's 2026 Chinese Bridge language proficiency competition regional finals in the United Arab Emirates.

A total of 22 contestants from primary, secondary schools and universities gathered at Zayed University Dubai Campus to share the profound changes that learning about China has brought to their lives.

Ali Bilal Masood Ali Aldhuhoori, a 17-year-old student from Saif Bin Hamad Boys' High School in Fujairah, joined a short-term exchange program in Shanghai. He immersed himself in the charm of Chinese culture and learned about China's remarkable achievements in artificial intelligence. This experience made him realize the power of integrating language with technology.

"For me, Mandarin is far more than just a language — it is a path toward the future. I have a clear goal: to pursue further studies in China, combine academic knowledge with social practice, and fulfill my personal 'Chinese Dream'," said the teenager, who will graduate next month.

During the contest, he recited a number of classic ancient Chinese poems. "I am fond of ancient Chinese poetry, for those concise lines open up a broader world to me," he said. "By learning Mandarin and understanding Chinese poems, I am getting to know the whole world through China."

Taking part in the competition, he hoped to encourage younger Emiratis to learn Mandarin well and seize every chance to visit China. "As an ancient Chinese saying goes, one should not only read extensively, but also travel far and wide."

Khadija Sultan Alkhoori, a middle school student from Abu Dhabi, delivered a tai chi performance. Dressed in a red training outfit, she performed smooth and coherent moves, earning warm rounds of applause. She claimed the top prize for the middle school group thanks to her fluent Mandarin and impressive routine.

"I am extremely proud of my daughter's remarkable achievement in the competition. Learning Mandarin has opened up broader prospects for her future," said her father Sultan. "The whole family has always fully supported her Chinese learning, and we feel truly delighted to witness her steady progress and current success."

Khadija aims to study traditional Chinese medicine in China. Her father Sultan, an IT engineer, said that China boasts a time-honored, profound culture and remarkable modernization achievements.

"I have visited Shanghai and Chengdu, and both cities are incredible. I hope Khadija will keep learning Mandarin, delve deeper into Chinese culture and grow into an envoy for friendship and exchanges between the UAE and China," he said.

Fruitful results

Back in July 2019, in the presence of leaders from the two countries, the UAE officially launched the Chinese language education initiative "Hundred Schools Project". Since then, the program has introduced Chinese courses to over 170 schools, benefiting more than 71,000 students.

"In recent years, China and the UAE have reaped fruitful results in people-to-people exchanges and educational cooperation," said Zeng Jixin, China's ambassador to the UAE. "Dubbed the Olympics of international Chinese language education, the Chinese Bridge serves not only as a linguistic bridge, but also a bond connecting civilizations and hearts. I hope that all contestants will become inheritors and guardians of China-UAE friendship."

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Chinese Bridge brand, which is organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation under China's Ministry of Education and supported by Chinese embassies and Confucius Institutes worldwide.

Michael Allen, provost and chief academic officer of Zayed University, said the university's Confucius Institute has organized the UAE's preliminary and final contests for nine consecutive years. Over 2,500 participants aged from 4 to 30 have taken part throughout the years.

"Language connects people, and cultural exchange consolidates friendship. Chinese Bridge is not only a stage for students to showcase their Chinese proficiency and talents, but also a vital link that enhances mutual understanding, facilitates people-to-people interactions and strengthens friendship between China and the UAE," he said.

cuihaipei@chinadaily.com.cn