Sharjah Hosts High-Level Chinese Delegation from Shandong Province to Explore Cooperation in Culture, Tourism, Academics and Economic Growth

Published on December 29, 2025

The Department of Government Relations (DGR) at Sharjah has hosted a high-ranking delegation from the People’s Republic of China’s Shandong Province. This delegation was headed by Li Hong, the Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shandong Province. This visit forms part of the various initiatives that have been put in place to enhance cooperation between the realms of Sharjah and Shandong Province, especially in the fields of economics, culture, tourism, and academe. The visit of the delegation attended to the MOU signed between the regions in June 2024.

Strengthening Cultural and Economic Ties

Upon arrival, Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of the DGR, greeted the delegation and facilitated discussions about strengthening bilateral cooperation. The visit focused on how Sharjah’s standing as a hub for international relations and cultural dialogue could be enhanced through strategic partnerships. Both sides emphasized their mutual interests and discussed how best to develop these areas to foster long-term growth.

A highlight of the cultural discussions was the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), where the delegation visited the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. The meeting included talks on opportunities for cultural cooperation, particularly in research exchange, the implementation of joint cultural programs, and opportunities to strengthen cultural and community exchange. Both parties agreed to explore collaboration on staff exchanges, study visits, and professional development programs to support institutional capacity building.

Shandong Province invited the SMA to participate in the Confucius Institute cultural festival in May 2026, marking the opening of the Institute in the province. This will provide an excellent platform for Sharjah’s cultural institutions to contribute to cross-cultural learning and deepen ties between the two regions.

Tourism Cooperation Takes Center Stage

In addition to cultural cooperation, the delegation also met with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) to explore opportunities in tourism promotion and destination development. This meeting, which included a gala lunch, focused on showcasing Sharjah’s tourism assets and discussing how to promote Sharjah as a destination in China, while encouraging more Chinese tourists to visit Sharjah’s historic sites, museums, and unique cultural offerings.

The delegation’s visit underlined the growing importance of tourism as a pillar of economic development. With increased travel links, Sharjah could become a key destination for Chinese travelers, who are seeking new experiences in the UAE. Both sides agreed to work on joint tourism marketing initiatives and share expertise in tourism infrastructure development to enhance the visitor experience for travelers from China.

Future Tourism Cooperation: A Gateway for Cultural and Economic Growth

Looking ahead, the tourism cooperation between Sharjah and Shandong Province is poised to have a significant impact on future travel flows. The development of direct travel links and joint tourism promotions will pave the way for increased tourist exchanges between the two regions. As Sharjah builds on this growing partnership, the Emirate will see a rise in Chinese tourists, eager to explore its unique cultural, historical, and modern attractions.

Moreover, with China’s growing outbound tourism market, Sharjah stands to benefit greatly by positioning itself as a prime destination for Chinese travelers seeking cultural immersion and family-oriented vacations. The establishment of strong tourism ties will not only bring more visitors to Sharjah but also create new opportunities for local businesses, hospitality providers, and tourism operators to capitalize on the rising demand.

The potential for tourism collaboration is not limited to just promotional efforts. It could lead to the creation of new travel routes and the establishment of direct flights, making travel between Sharjah and China more accessible and attractive. This could transform Sharjah into a key player in the Asian tourism market, attracting Chinese tourists to the UAE in large numbers, and creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits both regions in the long term.

Economic Growth and Investment Opportunities

In another significant meeting, the delegation visited the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), where Fahad Ahmed Al Khamiri, Director of the SEDD, welcomed the Chinese delegates. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral economic relations, particularly in the industrial and commercial sectors. Both parties explored opportunities to leverage expertise and investment for establishing joint projects in various sectors, including manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.

Al Khamiri highlighted Sharjah’s business-friendly environment, emphasizing the ease of doing business, and access to markets in the Middle East. He also pointed out Sharjah’s strategic location as a gateway for businesses looking to expand into the broader Gulf and African markets, noting that this would be a crucial area for collaboration with China and Shandong Province.

Academic and Educational Collaborations

Another key aspect of the visit was the academic cooperation, which took place at the University of Sharjah. The Chinese delegation, led by Li Hong, met with Dr Issam Al-Din Ibrahim Ajami, Chancellor of the University, to discuss avenues for academic collaboration. Both sides explored possibilities for research partnerships, student exchanges, and language programs, with a focus on strengthening educational ties and expanding mutual learning opportunities.

Dr. Ajami highlighted the University of Sharjah’s growing academic presence and ongoing collaborations with Chinese universities. These partnerships, which focus on scientific research, cultural studies, and language programs, lay the groundwork for future academic exchanges and joint programs. Both parties also agreed to expand cooperation by exploring ways to integrate Shandong’s academic institutions into the existing framework at the University, fostering cross-cultural academic growth.

Preserving Cultural Heritage: A Shared Focus

The delegation’s visit also included a tour of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, where they learned about Sharjah’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. During the visit, the delegation had the opportunity to explore the Institute’s collections and specialized programs aimed at safeguarding traditional Emirati heritage. The cultural exchange was complemented by a session featuring traditional Emirati food, showcasing Sharjah’s authenticity and deep cultural roots.

This segment of the visit allowed the Chinese delegates to appreciate the richness of Sharjah’s cultural identity, which aligns with Shandong Province’s commitment to preserving and promoting its own heritage. Both regions affirmed their shared interest in heritage conservation and agreed to explore opportunities for collaborative projects in this area.

A Bright Future for Sharjah-China Relations

The presence of the Shandong Province delegation marks the continued initiatives ofSharjah towards the development of international partnerships. The sessions that covered various areas such as the field of culture, economy, tourism, and education shed light on the increasing value of understanding the need for collaboration between Sharjah and China, specifically Shandong Province. The partnership has the ability to increase the position of both regions as a leading light in sustainable development.

As the relationship between Sharjah and other countries continues to flourish, the effects of this visit will be integral to furthering opportunities for intercultural engagement and development, cementing its role as a leader of development diplomacy on the global platform. The future influence of tourism partnership between Sharjah and Shandong will be instrumental in ensuring that travel to and from Sharjah continues to grow and develop, making it one of the main hubs of growth in the coming years.