Recently, a delegation from Sharjah visited the People’s Republic of China, engaging in high-level meetings with senior Chinese officials to explore collaboration opportunities and reinforce economic, cultural, and academic bonds during their initial stop in Beijing. Led by the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in partnership with the UAE Embassy in China, the delegation, comprising representatives from 18 Sharjah departments and institutions, proceeded to Shandong Province, a key center of both historical and contemporary trade routes in China, to discuss enhancing cooperation with relevant Chinese entities.
Emphasizing Emirati and Arab Culture and its Achievements Chairman of DGR, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, highlighted that the delegation’s visit echoes the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, emphasizing the mission’s objective to strengthen governmental relations and deepen connections between Sharjah and Asian nations, especially China. The delegation aims to foster comprehensive collaboration across all sectors, drawing on successful global expertise, while showcasing Sharjah’s strategic advantages and its role as an ambassador of Emirati and Arab culture, as well as its significant contributions to promoting global scientific, knowledge, economic, and cultural exchange.
Enhancing Economic Collaboration in Trade, Business, and Investment The ongoing agenda of the delegation includes numerous meetings between Sharjah officials and their Chinese counterparts. Participants include HE Hamad Ali Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department; HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); HE Ali Mohammed Al Naqbi, CEO of Weqaya, Beeah Group; HE Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); HE Mohammed Juma Al Musharrakh, CEO of Sharjah FDI Office; and Omar Al Mulla, Chief Investment at Sharjah Asset Management.
Promoting Mutual Growth and Development in the Technology Sector During the visit, the Sharjah delegation conducted several crucial meetings on trade, including discussions with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and representatives from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products. These discussions focused on enhancing trade ties between Sharjah and China, exploring opportunities for mutual growth and development.
The delegation also engaged with representatives from prominent Chinese technology firms, such as Xiaomi, and visited the Huawei Beijing Research Center, demonstrating the emirate’s interest in fostering partnerships in the technology sector. Additionally, DGR, Shurooq, and the Sharjah FDI Office held a meeting with Pan Asia Capital to explore potential collaboration in the business and investment domains, further bolstering economic ties between Sharjah and China.
Forging Productive Partnerships HE Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, commented on the visit, stating: “The Authority’s participation reflects our commitment to strengthening economic and trade relations with one of the world’s major economic powers. This visit presents a golden opportunity to explore new investment avenues, promote sustainable development, and advance eco-tourism. Building on well-established commercial and cultural ties, we aim to forge fruitful partnerships with leading Chinese institutions, contributing to Sharjah’s position as a major regional economic and trade hub.”
HE Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Sharjah FDI Office, emphasized the impact that the investment relationship between the UAE and China has on both economies. He noted that China is a strategic partner in qualitative investments, particularly in technology, digital infrastructure, and the integration of AI in industry, agriculture, healthcare, and education. Al Musharrkh highlighted that over 700 Chinese companies operate across various sectors in Sharjah’s markets and free zones, demonstrating the significant economic ties between the two locations.
Strengthening Cultural, Tourism, and Heritage Ties In the domains of culture, tourism, and heritage, HE Eisa Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority; Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA); HE Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; and Marwa Obaid Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom, engaged with representatives from the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), an administrative agency affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China. The meeting, attended by HE Li Kun, Director of NCHA, and Wang Xiaodong, Secretary of the Palace Museum, aimed to strengthen cultural ties between Sharjah and China.
The delegation also had the opportunity to tour the National Art Museum of China, the National Cultural Heritage Administration headquarters, the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, and the Central Academy of Fine Arts.
Advancing Tourism and Investment HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCDTA), highlighted the significance of fostering strong relationships between nations and communities as a fundamental foundation for enhancing tourism and investment. He further underscored the UAE’s position as the leading host of Chinese businesses in the Arab world, noting the considerable potential for growth in these areas. He said: “Through our participation in the Sharjah delegation, we aim to spotlight the emirate’s comprehensive tourism sector. Recognizing tourism as a major contributor of mutual economic interest, and acknowledging the Chinese market as one of the largest sources of tourists to Sharjah, this visit will elevate Sharjah’s status as a premier global tourist destination and a cultural hub. We aim to fortify our ties with our Chinese counterparts, foster collaboration, open new avenues for joint ventures, and exchange expertise across various sectors, particularly in trade, tourism, hospitality, and travel.”
Exploring Collaboration in Science and Technology In the fields of science, technology, and education, Abdulaziz Ibrahim (Al Mulla) Al Hafezi, Business Development Executive at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP); Dr Khawla Al Najjar, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Sharjah; HE Dr Abdulrahman Al Yasi, Director of Sharjah Youth, an affiliate of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators; and Khaled Al Nakhi, Director of the Sharjah Institute for Capacity Development conducted field visits to Peking University, Tsinghua University, and the China Soong Ching Ling Science & Culture Centre for Young People.
Exchanging Expertise in Health, Wellness, and Sports In the healthcare sector, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, HE Dr. Abdelaziz Saeed Obaid Bin Butti Almheiri, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority and Sharjah Healthcare City Authority; and His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Noman, Advisor to Sharjah Women’s Sports Foundation, met with representatives from the Chinese National Health Commission. This was followed by separate meetings with Fosun International and Sinopharm representatives, which concluded with a visit to the Peking University Health Science Center.
HE Dr. Abdelaziz Saeed Obaid Bin Butti Almheiri said: “Our participation in the delegation provides unique opportunities for collaboration in the healthcare sector between both parties and to promote Sharjah Healthcare City. The visit includes meetings with decision-makers in the Chinese healthcare sector and visits to several Chinese hospitals and health centres to explore ways of mutual cooperation between Sharjah and China.”
Exploring Aviation and Touring Beijing Regarding the aviation sector,
