China-UAE calligraphy exchange exhibition unveiled in Dubai
A China-UAE calligraphy exchange exhibition opened in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on April 29. The event brought together over 100 participants from the worlds of art, media, think tanks, publishing, and education.
A China-UAE calligraphy exchange exhibition opens in Dubai, the UAE, April 29, 2025. [Photo/CICG]
The exhibition showcased works of more than 60 artists from China, the UAE, Egypt, Syria, Iran, India, and other countries.
Liu Dawei, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), speaks at a calligraphy exchange exhibition in Dubai, the UAE, April 29, 2025. [Photo/CICG]
In his opening speech, Liu Dawei, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), emphasized CICG's commitment to promoting exchanges between Chinese and Arab languages, cultures, and ideas. He said the exhibition is an important effort in implementing the Global Civilization Initiative and deepening China-Arab dialogue. Moving forward, CICG looks forward to working with more Chinese and Arab institutions to create diverse, impactful cultural programs and further strengthen mutual understanding, Liu said.
Ou Boqian, Chinese consul general in Dubai, speaks at a calligraphy exchange exhibition in Dubai, the UAE, April 29, 2025. [Photo/CICG]
Ou Boqian, Chinese consul general in Dubai, noted that people-to-people exchanges have become a vital bridge connecting China and the UAE under the Belt and Road Initiative. She said the exhibition is a bold and vivid act of promoting dialogue between Chinese and Arab civilizations, allowing artists to exchange skills and Dubai audiences to appreciate the beauty of Chinese and Arabic calligraphy up close.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, speaks at a calligraphy exchange exhibition in Dubai, the UAE, April 29, 2025. [Photo/CICG]
Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, highlighted the long histories of both Chinese and Arab civilizations, each valuing cultural heritage and innovation. He said hosting the exhibition at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library carries special significance and he also hopes for deeper collaboration between China and the UAE in calligraphy, translation, and publishing.
Li Xin, secretary of the Secretariat of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and vice president of the China Calligraphers Association, speaks at a calligraphy exchange exhibition in Dubai, the UAE, April 29, 2025. [Photo/CICG]
Li Xin, secretary of the Secretariat of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC) and vice president of the China Calligraphers Association (CCA), said the CCA would like to work with Arab artists to find cultural, linguistic, and emotional common ground, organize diverse calligraphy exchange activities, and build bridges of mutual understanding through the unique charm of calligraphy.
Khalid Al Jallaf, chairman of the Emirates Society for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy and Decoration, speaks at a calligraphy exchange exhibition in Dubai, the UAE, April 29, 2025. [Photo/CICG]
Khalid Al Jallaf, chairman of the Emirates Society for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy and Decoration, said he hopes for greater collaboration with Chinese counterparts, including more opportunities for Emirati calligraphers to visit and study in China.
The exhibition was guided by CFLAC and CICG, and co-organized by the CCA, the Center for Europe and Africa under CICG, and the Emirates Society for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy and Decoration. It was supported by the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, the Chinese Consulate General in Dubai, and the China Cultural Center in the UAE.
Prior to the Dubai exhibition, the CCA and the Center for Europe and Africa under CICG also jointly held a China-Qatar calligraphy exchange exhibition in Qatar on April 23.