The 2026 "Chinese Bridge" Summer Camp for UAE Students officially commenced this July, providing 22 students from Ras Al Khaimah- United Arab Emirates, including Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research scholarship recipients, with an immersive two-week educational and cultural experience in Shanghai, China. Hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) of China's Ministry of Education, organized by the Institute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education at East China Normal University (ECNU), and delivered in partnership with the Al Qasimi Foundation, the program combines Chinese language learning with cultural exchange and experiential learning.
PART 01: Opening Ceremony
On the morning of July 20, the opening ceremony of the 2026 "Chinese Bridge" Summer Camp for UAE Students was held in Room 301, Gezhi Building, Putuo Campus, ECNU. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Lu Xiaohong, Administrative Director of the Institute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education at ECNU.
Professor Ye Jun, Vice Dean of the School of International Chinese Studies and Deputy Director of the Institute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education at ECNU, delivered a welcome address. On behalf of the School and the Institute, he extended a warm welcome to the Al Qasimi Foundation and all the UAE teachers and students who had traveled afar to join the program. Professor Ye noted that ECNU, as the designated support base for Chinese language education in the UAE, has long provided systematic support to local Chinese language education through teacher training. The summer camp represents a key initiative in deepening educational cooperation between the two sides. He expressed his hope that the students would immerse themselves in the charm of the Chinese language, experience Chinese culture firsthand, gain a deeper understanding of China through field visits, and build lasting friendships through mutual exchange.
Subsequently, student representatives took the stage: Hessa Alshehhi from United Arab Emirates University and Arhama Alshamsi from American University of Sharjah shared their keen anticipation for the summer camp and their sincere aspirations to improve their Chinese proficiency and explore Chinese culture. Ms. Naeema Alzaabi, Principal of Al Hudaiba Cycle 3 School, spoke as a teacher representative, expressing heartfelt gratitude to ECNU for its meticulous preparation and thoughtful arrangements, and encouraging all students to make the most of this learning opportunity, gaining both knowledge and experience.
PART 02: Experiencing a Multidimensional China
The summer camp proceeded steadily with a three dimensional model combining "language learning + cultural experiences + city exploration," enabling students to gain knowledge in the classroom, insights through experience, and impressions from their walks, thus touching a real and multidimensional China.
Language Learning
The Chinese language courses started with basic greetings and everyday vocabulary, employing a scenario-based, interactive teaching approach that integrated language learning with real-life contexts such as outings, shopping, and cultural activities. The lively and relaxed classroom atmosphere made the unfamiliar language feel accessible and approachable, laying a solid foundation for the immersive study tour ahead.
Cultural Experience
Throughout the two weeks, a rich variety of immersive cultural experience classes were offered, allowing students to appreciate the subtle beauty of Eastern aesthetics through hands on activities and to understand the cultural wisdom and craftsmanship behind traditional skills. These included tie dyeing, martial arts, tea art, Chinese painting, clay figurine making, and paper cutting.
City Exploration
Beyond the campus, Shanghai itself became the most vivid classroom. Over the two weeks, the group's footsteps traced a cityscape where ancient and modern converge – from the gentle charm of water towns to the bustling metropolis, and from historical heritage to technological frontiers. In every step, the students came to understand a diverse, vibrant, and lively Shanghai.
Summer days may be fleeting, but the bonds of friendship last forever. Although the two week immersive study tour has come to an end, the seeds sown by language, the resonance awakened by culture, and the friendships forged among the youth will endure. Looking ahead, the Institute of Global Chinese Language Teacher Education at East China Normal University will continue to deepen practical cooperation in Chinese language education between China and the UAE, build more platforms for mutual learning and friendship between the youth of both countries, and let the bridge of Chinese connect more hearts, while the China UAE friendship continues to grow through youth exchanges.
About the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research
The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research is a non-profit, quasi-governmental organisation established in 2009 by Emiri Decree. The Foundation advances the social, cultural and economic development of Ras Al Khaimah and the wider United Arab Emirates through research, education, community development, arts and culture, and strategic partnerships. Through its Ras Al Khaimah Art initiative, the Foundation also promotes creativity, cultural exchange and international engagement.
As part of the Foundation's commitment to expanding international learning opportunities and developing globally minded young people, the program enables students to strengthen their Chinese language skills while deepening their understanding of Chinese culture through academic study, cultural activities, and hands-on experiences. Now at its midpoint, participants have been immersed in classes at ECNU and exploring the streets of Shanghai, using language as a bridge to cultural exchange while creating lasting memories and meaningful international connections.
This program forms part of Ras Al Khaimah's broader commitment to investing in education, strengthening international partnerships, and preparing globally minded young leaders. By creating opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange and language learning, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research continues to support initiatives that broaden perspectives, build cross-cultural understanding, and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
