Source : WAM
The Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah welcomed a senior official delegation from Shandong Province in the People’s Republic of China, led by Li Hong, Deputy Director-General of the Shandong Provincial Foreign Affairs Office.
The visit aimed to enhance institutional cooperation across government, economic, cultural, tourism, and academic sectors, and to activate the outcomes of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Emirate of Sharjah and Shandong Province in June 2024.
Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of the DGR, received the delegation, with discussions focusing on opportunities for joint cooperation and partnerships that serve shared interests and reflect Sharjah’s role as a prominent hub for international relations and cultural dialogue.
The visit programme included a series of meetings and field visits to government, economic, cultural, tourism, and academic entities in Sharjah, aimed at identifying opportunities for cooperation and building on the outcomes of the MoU.
Commenting on the visit, Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi said, “Our meetings with the Chinese delegates from Shandong Province reflect Sharjah’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and exploring new horizons for sustainable collaboration with our partners around the world. We believe that enhancing institutional relations across multiple sectors is an important driver of sustainable development through the exchange of expertise and knowledge. This strategy supports our aspirations to build bridges of intellectual and civilisational connection, while reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a leading hub for development diplomacy and multi-sector cooperation.”
On the cultural side, the delegation visited the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), where the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation hosted the Chinese officials in the presence of Maysa Saif Saeed Al Suwaidi, Director of the Museums Services Department at SMA, along with representatives of the UAE Embassy in Beijing.
Discussions focused on opportunities for cultural cooperation between Shandong’s institutions and the SMA, including research exchange, joint cultural programmes, and enhanced cultural and community engagement. The meeting also highlighted the importance of staff exchanges, study visits, and training programmes to support capacity building and knowledge sharing.
During the meeting, the Shandong delegation extended an official invitation to the SMA to participate in a cultural festival organised by the province to mark the opening of the Confucius Institute in May 2026. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continued coordination and preparation for future cooperation agreements.
To support tourism collaboration, the delegation met with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) during a gala lunch attended by Ahmed bin Al Sheikh, Director of the Destination Development Department at SCTDA. The meeting showcased Sharjah’s tourism offerings and explored opportunities for joint tourism promotion and destination development.
The delegation also visited the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), where they were received by Fahad Ahmed Al Khamiri, Director of SEDD. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral economic relations, enhancing the role of industrial and commercial sectors, and exploring joint investment opportunities across various economic fields.
Al Khamiri welcomed the delegation and highlighted the strong and growing economic ties between the UAE and China, particularly in investment. He outlined Sharjah’s attractive business environment, investment advantages, and ease of doing business, as well as the department’s innovative services that support investors and the private sector.
As part of efforts to expand academic cooperation, the delegation visited the University of Sharjah, where they were received by Dr Issam Al-Din Ibrahim Ajami, Chancellor of the University, along with senior officials. Discussions covered academic and research collaboration, student exchanges, and language programmes.
Dr Ajami noted that the University of Sharjah maintains strong partnerships with Chinese universities through MoUs and cooperation agreements in research, scientific fields, and Arabic language teaching for non-native speakers. He also highlighted the university’s academic achievements, global rankings, and research capabilities, welcoming further collaboration with institutions in Shandong Province.
The programme concluded with a visit to the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, where the delegation learned about the institute’s collections and programmes for preserving cultural heritage. The visit included an outdoor heritage session featuring traditional Emirati cuisine, reflecting Sharjah’s cultural identity. The delegation expressed admiration for the emirate’s authenticity and rich cultural heritage.
The visit of the Shandong Province delegation highlights Sharjah’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and expanding cooperation with global partners, in line with its cultural vision and focus on institutional diplomacy and sustainable, knowledge-based relationships.
