The year 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To promote academic and civilizational exchange as well as mutual learning between the two countries, Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), led a delegation to visit the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE, on October 17. During the visit, Gao held discussions and engaged in in-depth exchanges respectively with H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Al Qasimi, director of the Department of Government Relations of Sharjah, and Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Almusallam, chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage.

During the meeting with H.E. Al Qasimi, Gao spoke highly of China-UAE relations and expressed his appreciation for H.E. Al Qasimi’s efforts to facilitate China-Sharjah cooperation. Gao emphasized that China-UAE relations have maintained strong development momentum under the joint guidance of the heads of state of the two countries. China and Islamic countries, as members of the Global South, should fully draw on their historical experiences of civilizational exchange, encourage the flourishing of diverse civilizations, and strengthen the Global South through enhanced solidarity and cooperation. Both sides should actively foster exchange and mutual learning between Chinese and Islamic civilizations, jointly advance civilizational dialogue between China and the Islamic world, and promote deeper connections between their peoples.

Regarding future cooperation, Gao made several specific suggestions for enhancing academic exchange between CASS and relevant cultural institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah. These suggestions included conducting joint research on historical studies, the inheritance and preservation of cultural heritage, and inter-translation of classical Chinese and Arabic texts, as well as strengthening ties between the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS) and higher education institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah to promote university-level exchanges, teaching and research collaboration, as well as student exchanges and visits. Additionally, Gao advocated for the sharing of library resources through increased collaboration between CASS and cultural institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, speaking with H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Al Qasimi, director of the Department of Government Relations of Sharjah, October 17

H.E. Al Qasimi warmly welcomed the CASS delegation, praising the extensive and fruitful cooperation between cultural institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah and China. He expressed strong support for Gao’s proposals, including joint research, co-organizing seminars, facilitating student exchanges, and sharing library resources between cultural institutions. He emphasized his optimism for strengthened cooperation between CASS and higher education institutions in the Emirate of Sharjah such as the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah to create opportunities for Sharjah’s students to study in China. He also affirmed that Sharjah would host CASS students and ensure that they feel at home during their stay.

Following the meeting with H.E. Al Qasimi, the CASS delegation visited the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, where Gao noted that CASS, particularly the Chinese Academy of History under CASS, and the Sharjah Institute for Heritage are both engaged in research and protection of cultural heritage, which provides a solid foundation for joint research in history and archaeology. The two sides can jointly address the gaps in research on the Maritime Silk Road through academic cooperation. Gao also suggested enhancing mutual understanding among young scholars in the fields of history and archaeology as well as promoting joint degree programs for young students in order to lay a talent foundation for long-lasting China-UAE friendship. Chairman Almusallam echoed Gao’s suggestions, expressing his hope that the existing robust collaboration between the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and CASS will enter a new phase following this exchange.

Gao Xiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, speaking with Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Almusallam, chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, October 17

The delegation subsequently visited the Sharjah Archaeology Authority and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, where they held discussions with Issa Yousif, director general of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, and Aisha Rashid Deemas, director general of the Sharjah Museums Authority.