The 2026 "Chinese Bridge" Summer Camp for UAE Students, delivered through a partnership between East China Normal University (ECNU) and the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, concluded on July 31 with a closing ceremony held at ECNU's Putuo Campus in Shanghai. The two-week program brought together 22 students from Ras Al Khaimah, including Al Qasimi Foundation scholarship recipients, providing them with an immersive educational and cultural experience while strengthening academic and cultural ties between Ras Al Khaimah and China.
Hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of China's Ministry of Education and organized by ECNU's Institute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education, the program reflects the Al Qasimi Foundation's commitment to expanding international learning opportunities for young people in Ras Al Khaimah and preparing them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Through Chinese language instruction, cultural activities, and experiential learning, participants developed both linguistic skills and a deeper understanding of Chinese society and culture.
The ceremony was attended by His ExcellencyMr.Muhannad Alnaqbi, Consul-General of the United Arab Emirates in Shanghai; Mr. Shen Haitao, Vice Chair of the University Council of ECNU; Mr. Kuai Shuguang, Director of the International Cooperation and Exchange Division of ECNU; and Ms. Wen Juan, Vice Dean of the School of International Chinese Studies of ECNU. Representatives from the Office of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, and education leaders from Ras Al Khaimah also attended, underscoring the strong partnership supporting international educational opportunities for the emirate's students.
Leadership Addresses
Mr. Shen Haitao, Vice Chair of the University Council of ECNU, delivered a speech. He noted that the summer camp represents an important achievement of ECNU's role as the designated support base for Chinese language education in the UAE, and a vivid continuation of the consensus reached during last year's visit to China by the Ras Al Khaimah educators delegation. From in-depth exchanges among educators to hands-on study tours for students, and from collaborative curriculum development to joint cultivation of language talents, each mutual engagement has strengthened the educational ties between China and the UAE. He expressed his hope that this summer camp would serve as a new starting point to deepen practical cooperation with the UAE education sector, jointly promote the steady development of Chinese language education there, and ensure that the seeds of China-UAE friendship continue to grow in the hearts of the younger generation.
His Excellency Mr. Muhannad Alnaqbi, in his address, emphasised the important partnership between China and the UAE and fully affirmed the fruitful outcomes of the summer camp in language learning and cultural exchange. He noted that the programme had not only deepened the UAE students' understanding of Chinese society, culture, and urban development, but also showcased the spirit of UAE students to their Chinese hosts. He expressed his hope that this summer camp would mark the beginning of a new cooperation mechanism between the UAE and China in the field of education, and encouraged more UAE students to study and exchange at ECNU, using language as a bond to further deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Representative Speeches
Subsequently, student representatives Amal Alhebsi from Al Hudaiba Cycle 3 School-Girls and Khalifa Alshemeili from the Applied Technology School shared their reflections in English and Chinese respectively. The two students spoke about their progress and joy in learning Chinese, the novel experiences they gained through various cultural activities, and their firsthand impressions of China's development during their urban explorations in Shanghai. They expressed sincere gratitude to the organisers and teachers, and affirmed their commitment to continuing their Chinese learning journey and cherishing the cross-ocean friendships they had formed.
Ms. Naeema Alzaabi, Principal of Al Hudaiba Cycle 3 School, spoke as the teacher representative. She stated that the two-week immersive study tour had significantly enhanced the students' language proficiency, cultural perspectives, and cross-cultural communication skills, and that the professionalism and thoughtful care of the ECNU team had deeply moved all the teachers and students. She expressed her hope to maintain close cooperation with ECNU in the future, creating more platforms for mutual learning and shared growth between the youth of both countries.
Certificate Presentation
After the speeches, His Excellency Mr. Muhannad Alnaqbi and Mr. Shen Haitao jointly presented completion certificates to all the students. Each certificate bore witness to the students' growth and achievements over the two weeks, leaving a formal and treasured memento of this study tour.
Warm Interactions
During the ceremony, Hamed Al Shehhi from RAK Modern Private School presented a poetry recitation, earning warm applause from the audience.
Following this, His Excellency Mr. Muhannad Alnaqbi and Mr. Shen Haitao exchanged souvenirs on behalf of both sides, using these tokens to symbolize the enduring friendship between China and the UAE.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo of all attending guests, teachers, and students, marking a successful conclusion to the 2026 "Chinese Bridge" Summer Camp for UAE Students.
This two-week program represents a significant initiative by ECNU in its role as the designated support base for Chinese language education in the UAE. Combining Chinese language study with immersive cultural experiences and visits across Shanghai, the camp gave students from Ras Al Khaimah a unique opportunity to strengthen their language skills while gaining first-hand insight into Chinese history, traditions, and contemporary society. The program also reflects the growing educational partnership between China and the UAE and the shared commitment to fostering mutual understanding through youth exchange.
The program reflects Ras Al Khaimah's broader commitment to investing in education, strengthening international partnerships, and preparing globally minded young leaders. Through initiatives such as the Chinese Bridge Summer Camp, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research continues to expand international learning opportunities for students from the emirate, fostering cross-cultural understanding and equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
