Ties that bind: Kung fu, food, language learning

Li Kaixian, a Chinese language teacher at Hamdan Bin Rashid Boys School, fondly recalls his first Spring Festival in Dubai last year. He was deeply moved by the friendliness and enthusiasm as a Chinese dragon flew around Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest structure, in a drone light show, he says.

"And language is the bridge for bringing the two peoples closer."

Li says he was fortunate enough to be able to work in Dubai because of the growing demand for Chinese teachers after the UAE launched the Hundred Schools Project.

In 2019, China and the UAE signed an agreement in Beijing to launch the project to expand Chinese language education in the country. The program has expanded to about 170 schools in the UAE, with more than 70,000 elementary and middle school students learning Chinese.

Afaf Aldarwish, principal of the school, says: "Since we introduced Chinese classes at Hamdan Bin Rashid Boys School, the effect on our students and school culture has been remarkable. Students are now more globally minded, curious about China's rich traditions and motivated by the career opportunities this language can offer.

"Beyond language, learning Chinese has provided a fresh cultural perspective, allowing our students to connect more deeply with the world and fostering a unique bond between the UAE and China."