University of Dubai Holds its First Chinese Contest

Confucius Institute at University of Dubai (CIUD) organized on April 15^th, 2017, ëThe 1^st Dubai Chinese Proficiency Contestí to arouse†the enthusiasm of students in learning and better understanding Chinese language and culture in the UAE. The event was attended by Mr. Wang Zhenshan, Vice Consul-General of China in Dubai; Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, UD President and CIUD Foreign Director; Dr. Geoffrey Gachino, UD Provost; Dr. Liu Yanhui, CIUD Chinese Director and almost 100 guests from China and other countries. The judging panel of the contest comprised of eight distinguished guests including the following: Ms. Marie Yvelines Charles, Chinese teacher of Mauritius in RAFFLES World Academy-Dubai; Ms. Sumbella Orchard-Khan, Teacher Trainer of GEMS Group; Mm. Grace Zhao, Public Relation Manager of Huawei Tech (UAE); Mm. Warda Wu, CEO of Royal Dragon Culture Centre; Mr. Aqil Al Bastaki, Director of Al Bastaki Group of Companies; Dr. Chai Shaojin, Senior Researcher of Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development of UAE; Mr. Wang Song, Chairman of China Chamber of Commerce in UAE; Mr. Zhang Xijing, Chief Representative of China Chamber of International Commerce Representative Office in the Gulf Area & Vice Chairman and Secretary General of ChineseBusiness Council. In his welcome speech, Dr. Al Bastaki, pointed out the fact that Dubai has become a multicultural city that welcomes all different cultures. ìA better understanding of another country’s language and culture can lead people to a successful and effective communication for economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation,î said Dr. Al Bastaki. ìCIUD is bridging China and the UAE by promoting Chinese language and culture.î ìUnder China’s ëThe Belt and Roadí initiative, exchanges between China and the UAE have significantly expanded in economy and trade,î said Mr. Zhenshan in his keynote speech. †ìAs a first attempt, this contest by CIUD will appeal to more and more Chinese learners in the UAE even in GCC countries.î Representing CIUD, Dr. Yanhui said that the contest will be hosted†every year†from now on.†ìChinese language learners in UAE will be invited to share their achievements and happiness during their learning process in the contest,î concluded Dr. Yanhui.