The 32nd Beijing International Book Fair opened yesterday at the China National Convention Centre in the Chinese capital, with the United Arab Emirates attending as guest of honour — a step that reflects the UAE's growing cultural standing on the international stage and embodies the depth of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the UAE and the People's Republic of China.
The UAE's participation is organised jointly by the UAE Embassy in Beijing and the Ministry of Culture under the theme "Community and People". Activities run until 21 June through the "UAE House" pavilion, which brings together 29 government bodies, cultural institutions, and national academic and creative organisations showcasing the UAE's key achievements in publishing, translation, content creation, and cultural and creative industries across 20 events.
In this context, His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, affirmed that the UAE's participation as guest of honour at the Beijing International Book Fair embodies the country's firm conviction that culture is an essential partner in building international relations, deepening understanding between peoples, and consolidating national identity as a model of human values open to the world.
He said that this global cultural event constitutes a strategic platform for highlighting the UAE's cultural presence on the international stage, stressing that the country is working to strengthen Emirati culture as an influential soft power that helps open new horizons for cultural and creative industries and broaden areas of international cooperation in publishing, translation, and knowledge production.
He added that the "UAE House" represents an effective space for building high-quality partnerships with China in the areas of the creative economy, cultural innovation, and modern technologies, serving mutual interests and opening new avenues for cultural exchange between the two countries. He noted that UAE–China cultural relations have become a model of civilisational cooperation based on mutual respect and cultural openness, with the aim of expanding cultural exchange programmes and launching joint initiatives in publishing, translation, knowledge research, and cultural and creative industries.
For his part, His Excellency Hussein bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, told Al Bayan that the UAE's selection as guest of honour embodies the depth of the partnership and mutual appreciation between the two countries, and reflects the strength of the strategic relationship that binds them across various fields.
He explained that the UAE is participating this year with a broad cultural delegation from various entities working in an integrated and cooperative manner under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture and in coordination with the UAE Embassy in Beijing, stressing that this participation represents an important opportunity to introduce Chinese audiences to the UAE's cultural identity and highlight the country's cultural achievements.
Al Hammadi noted the remarkable turnout of Chinese visitors, officials, and those interested in cultural affairs at the UAE pavilion, seeking to learn about Emirati customs and traditions, intellectual and literary publications, and the values of tolerance and coexistence that the country represents. He affirmed that culture remains a genuine bridge for communication between peoples and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The Beijing International Book Fair witnessed widespread praise for the UAE's distinguished participation in the current edition, with a number of officials and intellectuals affirming that the selection of the UAE as guest of honour reflects the advanced cultural standing the country has achieved internationally, and the role it plays in promoting cultural and intellectual dialogue between peoples.
His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, affirmed that the UAE's presence at major book fairs around the world is a source of pride for Emirati intellectuals, as these gatherings provide opportunities to showcase the country's intellectual, literary, and cultural achievements and strengthen its presence on the international stage.
Al Murr said that UAE cultural institutions had presented a bright image of the country during the fair, and of the significant achievements it has accomplished in the cultural sphere, expressing his confidence that this distinguished presence would continue at various international book fairs.
For his part, Dr Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, described the selection of the UAE as guest of honour at the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair as an important opportunity to strengthen cultural cooperation between the UAE and China, particularly in the areas of translation, publishing, and knowledge exchange.
He noted that culture occupies a pivotal position in both the UAE and China, rooted in a deep civilisational history built on diversity, openness, and communication between peoples. He pointed to more than 150 cooperation agreements between the two countries, alongside more than 200 schools teaching the Chinese language in the UAE.
Jassem Ibrahim Al Najem, Kuwait's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, said that the UAE's selection as guest of honour is a proud achievement that reflects the country's growing cultural presence on the international stage and fills the peoples of the Gulf Cooperation Council states with pride.
He noted that the "UAE House" constituted a distinguished addition to the fair and helped attract large numbers of visitors, thanks to the broad participation of UAE publishing houses and cultural institutions and the content they presented, which reflects the richness of the Emirati cultural scene. He affirmed that this participation opens broader horizons for cultural and knowledge cooperation between the two sides.
The second day of the fair hosts a session reviewing the milestones and substance of 15 years of UAE–China cultural cooperation, followed by a session titled "From the Silk Road to Artificial Intelligence", alongside book-signing ceremonies for "The Artificial Womb" by Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi and "Encyclopaedia of Mythical Creatures in Emirati Heritage" by Dr Abdulaziz Al Muslim. Activities will continue in the coming days with sessions addressing children's literature, the Arab digital library, artificial intelligence, and travel literature.
Among the prominent national cultural institutions participating in the "UAE House" are: the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, Sharjah Book Authority, Emirates Publishers Association, National Archives and Library, and the National Media Council.
The Beijing Book Fair is considered one of the world's most prominent book fairs and a leading international platform for the publishing industry and cultural exchange.