University of Dubai opens Confucius Institute

The University of Dubai (UD), a prestigious university in the UAE established by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announced today the opening of the Confucius Institute that will offer students and working professionals courses on Chinese language and culture.

An opening ceremony held at The Cultural and Scientific Association in Dubai was attended by dignitaries and officials from the University of Dubai and Ningxia University. The opening of the Institute was held simultaneously with the Chinese Cultural Festival where guests experienced Chinese culture. A calligrapher displayed his art by writing the names of guests using Chinese alphabet while others were taught how to use the chopstick and the Chinese hand-fan. Others participated in the tea ceremony and several restaurants offered Chinese delicacies to the guests. A Chinese Kung Fu movie titled Confucius was also shown during the event.

Dr M. Omar Hefni, President of UD said: “The opening of the Confucius Institute at the University of Dubai confirms our earlier commitment to strengthen educational cooperation between China and the UAE, promote the development of Chinese language education and increase mutual understanding between the two countries. UD is the only university in UAE which presents an engaging and dynamic learning experience with programs delivered in a highly interactive and hands-on learning style so students are guaranteed the best learning experience.”

The Institute will be a non-profit educational institution open to individuals interested in learning the Chinese language and culture in a supportive environment and at convenient timings in the evenings and during weekends for working individuals.

The services offered by the Institute include teaching Chinese online, training Chinese teachers, providing its students with Chinese textbooks and introducing the history, culture, tourism and business between China and the local country. It offers access to some of the best infrastructure and intellectual resources available at UD and will deliver its programs in fully equipped classrooms and labs in five levels for different ages.