Hussain Al Hammadi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador to China, officiated the opening of the UAE National Pavilion on June 18 at the 31st Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), emphasizing his country's commitment to deepening cultural relations with China. 

Senior officials from both nations, including UAE Deputy Minister of Culture Mubarak Al Nakhi, were in attendance at the event, which runs from June 18-22 at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. The UAE's participation is organized by the UAE Embassy in China, with involvement from the UAE Ministry of Culture. 

Hussain Al Hammadi, UAE ambassador to China (third from right), and Mubarak Al Nakhi, UAE deputy minister of culture (third from left), along with senior officials, inaugurate the UAE National Pavilion at the 31st BIBF, Beijing, June 18, 2025. [Photo Provided to China.org.cn]

Hussain Al Hammadi described the fair as a leading global platform that unites key players in international publishing and cultural fields. He noted that this provides opportunities for Emirati cultural institutions to promote their activities and projects, and to solidify effective cooperation with major global cultural and academic institutions.

Al Hammadi stated that the UAE's participation in the book fair represents a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the deep historical and cultural ties between the UAE and China. He mentioned that through the national pavilion, the UAE hopes to comprehensively showcase its cultural landscape, presenting the nation's contributions in literature, art, heritage and innovation.

He added that culture serves as a bridge for communication and understanding, and that books are powerful tools for conveying values and knowledge. He expressed hope that through this participation, cultural relations between the two countries would be deepened, unlocking new prospects for cooperation in publishing, education and the arts. He also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to present Emirati culture to Chinese friends and looked forward to enhancing cultural ties between the peoples of the two countries through this significant event.

Attendees visit the UAE National Pavilion at the BIBF, Beijing, June 18, 2025. [Photo Provided to China.org.cn]

The pavilion will host a range of dynamic activities, including professional seminars, bilateral meetings, guided tours and the signing of cooperation agreements aligned with the UAE's vision for cultural openness. Notably, cultural activities include 16 cultural symposiums, exhibitions of Arabic calligraphy and artworks, and joint conferences to facilitate China-UAE cultural collaboration.

A special Chinese-Arab archives section has also been set up in the pavilion, focusing on significant milestones in the history of relations between the two sides, along with book promotion events attended by renowned Emirati authors.

The BIBF is one of the most influential book fairs globally, attracting over 2,600 exhibitors from more than 100 countries and regions each year. The fair also hosts several concurrent activities, including the China Book Award Ceremony and various professional forums and events.