Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi has become the focal point for a significant cultural event designed to honor the Chinese New Year, which is recognized as the “Year of the Snake.” This vibrant celebration was orchestrated by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the UAE in partnership with China Media Group, and it forms a key part of the capital’s extensive festivities for this global occasion.
Celebration of cultural ties
This event is an integral aspect of the promotional activities associated with the Spring Festival organized by China Media Group in honor of the Chinese New Year. Abu Dhabi was chosen as one of seven global cities to host these celebrations, underscoring the profound bilateral relations and cultural exchanges that exist between the UAE and China. The significance of this event was amplified as it took place following last year’s milestone 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Promoting shared values
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, director-general of the National Media Office, emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s role in hosting the Chinese New Year celebration embodies shared human values among diverse cultures. He also pointed out that the event presents a valuable opportunity to elevate cultural dialogue and promote mutual understanding among people from all walks of life.
Strengthening UAE-China relations
Dr. Al Kaabi further remarked that the relationship between the UAE and China illustrates strategic collaboration across cultural and social sectors, in alignment with the visionary leadership’s goal of enhancing cultural bonds and promoting global openness.
Significance of the Spring Festival
Shen Haixiong, president of China Media Group (CMG), characterized the Spring Festival as one of the most essential traditional celebrations within Chinese culture, representing national unity and social harmony. He elaborated that China Media Group aspires to highlight the beauty of Chinese culture on a global scale through these festivities, communicating in 82 languages and constructing cultural bridges among nations.
A celebration of cultural coexistence
Moreover, Zhang Yiming, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event in Abu Dhabi, commending the city’s status as a global center for tolerance and cultural coexistence. He pointed out the unique importance of this year’s celebration as it marks the first since the Chinese Lunar New Year was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Connecting communities through culture
Ambassador Zhang also highlighted that the festivities offer the approximately 400,000 Chinese residents in the UAE a sense of belonging, while simultaneously providing Emiratis and other residents with the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
Furthermore, in Chinese tradition, the snake is a symbol of good fortune and wealth, regarded as a harbinger of a prosperous and successful year to come.
