Giving a big boost to Arabic language studies, UAE and China will establish a joint university, Khaleej Times has learnt.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (R) speaks with UAE students who are currently studying in a university in China, during an official state visit. ( Mohamed Al Hammadi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi ) ---
A plan has been laid down between UAE University and the Beijing University for Foreign Language Studies to establish a joint university to be headquartered in Chuan City.
Meanwhile, the media delegation escorting His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on his visit to China, has made a visit to the Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Centre for Arabic Language and Islamic Studies in Beijing.
The centre graduated over 30 Chinese ambassadors to Arab countries, including present Chinese ambassador to the UAE. Al Ayoobi Authority of Tourism and Culture, accordingly, gifted as many as 1,000 Arabic books translated into 13 languages to the Shaikh Zayed Centre to help students pursue their studies in the Arabic language.
A college to teach the Arabic language was set up in 1958 at the Beijing University for Foreign Studies- the most ancient Chinese university that teaches foreign languages.
It was the first educational unit in China that confers a Master and PhD degrees in Arabic language and its literatures.
The name of the college has been changed this year to the Arabic Studies College this year.
Since its creation, the college graduated so far a total of 1,800 learners proficient in the Arabic language, who are taking up positions in diplomatic corps, culture, commercial, media, and educational fields.
Of whom, over 20 Chinese ambassadors to Arabic countries; like the two current ambassadors to the UAE and the former one learnt the Arabic language at the college, which includes a teaching staff of around 14 members.
On the historic visit that late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan paid to China in 1990, he bestowed a kind donation to build a modern building for the college, which, accordingly, set up the Emirates Centre for Teaching Arabic Language and Islamic Studies. Both the building and the centre were established in 1994.
In April 2007, UAE Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a visit to the centre and pledged $ one million as a grant in the name of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In March 2012, Shaikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, paid a visit to the centre and attended a relaunch ceremony after the centre had been totally refurbished and renovated on Emirati government fund.
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