Hala China announces first-ever Chinese Digital Culture Exhibition Week in UAE

Riding on the success of the first China-UAE Economic and Trade Digital Expo in July 2020, Hala China today announced the Chinese Digital Culture Exhibition Week in UAE, a week-long exhibition that features four main themes: Culture and Tourism, Art and Design, New Digital Industry (Animation and Gaming) and Cultural Creativity.

Chinese Digital Culture Exhibition Week will run on a virtual platform from 18 to 25 November 2020 and is organised by China Culture & Entertainment Industry Association (CCEA) and Hala China, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, the Embassy of the UAE in China, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the UAE, and the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai.

The event aims to promote the UAE as a multicultural destination in addition to fostering communication and providing opportunities to engage the youth in both countries through a packed agenda of workshops and seminars. The exhibition will host a friendly PUBG e-sport competition between China and the UAE, in collaboration with Tencent Games, as well as sessions on music and audiobooks, a digital creativity exhibition, and more.

His Excellency Dr. Ali Obaid al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to People's Republic of China, said: “During last year’s state visit to China by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, His Highness outlined how China and the UAE are together creating a "road map" for a century of prosperity. The future of cultural cooperation and understanding between our nations will be driven by the youth of our respective nations, inspired by the depth and intricacy of Chinese and Arabic cultures.”

His Excellency Ni Jian, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to UAE, said: “With the personal care and cultivation of our two leaderships, China-UAE traditional friendship is ever-deepening, and our comprehensive strategic partnership is making new progress. Our two countries are jointly building a community of shared future for mankind. Our shared focus on youth development has laid a solid foundation for deepening and substantiating our collaboration in digital industries and cultural exchanges. Since the outbreak, China and the UAE have been supporting each other and consolidating our brotherly bonds. We have been fighting hand in hand, deepening our political mutual-trust, and setting an exemplary model in international cooperation against COVID-19. Young people of our two countries have also come up with new models of communication, jointly paving the way forward for the digital and cultural industries.

Sheikh Majid bin Abdulla Al Mualla, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hala China, said: “Since its inception, Hala China has continued to build bridges that enable the exchange of expertise, create avenues for shared growth and nurture collaboration between our two nations. Over the years of our longstanding historical ties that extend beyond bilateral trade between UAE and China, we recognise that what may have proved effective in the past in other markets may not be viable for China’s market. Word of mouth is the ultimate test of trust and the best kind of endorsement a brand can receive in the Chinese business community and consumer market. Through events such as this one, we seek to showcase the talent and capabilities of our people and enhance cross-cultural exchange, especially among the youth.”

He added: “The UAE is China’s most important trade partner in the Arab world, accounting for 26 per cent of total non-oil foreign trade between China and the Arab countries. The ability to understand the language of ‘business’ will pay off in the long run.”

Covering digital mediums, the exhibition will offer a sneak peek into traditional and digital art from China such as Chinese craft puzzle, porcelain artefacts, and paper cutting among others. Visitors will also be treated to art from the region such as Arabic calligraphy and abstract art. The week-long event will also include a photography exhibit under the patronage of Hamdan International Photography Award.  Founded in 1918, the China Central Academy of Fine Arts is the first and most prestigious national arts school in China and will curate a unique display that takes visitors on an artistic journey.

The Chinese Digital Culture Exhibition Week in the UAE will offer fresh perspectives for leading local technology companies as well as conduct an in-depth analysis of the evolution of project groups in areas where young people gather, such as games, movies, and education through focused sessions. The seven-day event will include workshops and saloons to garner youth perspectives from the two countries on key issues of interest, and also delve into topics such as creativity in the digital economy and the impact of digital culture.

The exhibition is particularly timely and seeks to further advance collaboration among local and international organisations in the region by creating a networking platform for industry leaders. A new report by research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan firmly establishes the region as one of the fastest growing markets for digital gaming. More than 30 per cent of the population in the GCC countries spend over eight hours every week on gaming consoles, with 50 per cent of the population in the MENA region currently under the age of 25 – making it one of the fastest growth markets in the world with over 25 per cent year-on-year growth.

The event is free to attend and open to all. For additional information, click here: http://cbox-uae.cnccea.com/