His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, welcomed participants of the Chinese language and cultural exchange programmes for 2026 at his palace in the city of Saqr bin Mohammed. The programmes, held in Shanghai and Guangzhou, included 32 students and staff from Ras Al Khaimah, and were supported by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.
Investing in Future Generations
During the meeting, Sheikh Saud emphasised that developing human capital and preparing individuals for the future are priorities in the emirate’s developmental vision. He noted that learning languages and understanding diverse cultures plays a vital role in broadening horizons for future generations. Such skills enhance the capabilities of institutional staff and improve their ability to communicate on a global scale.
Building a Competitive Future
Sheikh Saud stated, “We believe that the future of Ras Al Khaimah is shaped by the capabilities and aspirations of its people, and that investing in human potential is the cornerstone of the emirate’s progress, competitiveness, and sustainable prosperity. We want our generations to learn from the world, gain the confidence and knowledge to innovate, discover new opportunities, and contribute their ideas and skills to the development journey.”
Cultural Ties and Global Vision
He further highlighted the significance of learning Chinese and understanding Chinese culture amid the growing strategic ties between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China. “We look forward to these experiences preparing a generation that possesses a global vision, takes pride in its identity and values, and is capable of building bridges of understanding between peoples. Our aspiration is for our youth to have the knowledge and will to participate in shaping the future, rather than merely preparing for it,” he added.
Acknowledging Participants’ Efforts
Sheikh Saud commended the participants for their dedication to learning and underscored the importance of applying their newly acquired knowledge and experiences to benefit themselves, their communities, and their nation.
The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamid Al Qasimi, Head of the Ruler’s Office, and several senior officials.
Gratitude for Support
In response, the participants in the programmes expressed their heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi for his continuous support in empowering students and developing the capabilities of the emirate’s workforce. They acknowledged his efforts in providing quality educational and cultural opportunities that enhance their skills, broaden their knowledge, and give them valuable new experiences.
Programme Details
The first programme, the “Chinese Language Bridge Summer Camp”, included 22 students from public and private schools in Ras Al Khaimah. Hosted at East China Normal University in Shanghai, it combined Chinese language learning with cultural activities and an exploration of China’s history and heritage.
The second programme, titled “Chinese Language Learners” for 2026, took place at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou over six weeks, involving 10 employees from both government and private institutions in Ras Al Khaimah. This initiative combined language study with cultural experiences and practical applications, focusing particularly on professional communication skills in areas such as protocol, hospitality, and customer service.
Both programmes are part of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research’s efforts to expand learning and cultural exchange opportunities for the students and workforce of Ras Al Khaimah while enhancing educational cooperation and understanding between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China.