TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the first UAE-China Think Tanks Forum in Beijing, organized by the UAE Embassy in China. The Center expressed its appreciation for this initiative, which reflects the growing recognition of the crucial role of think tanks in today’s world.
In its opening remarks, the Center highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and economic ties between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China and underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in various fields. During his speech at the forum, Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, senior researcher at TRENDS, emphasized that the event is an important platform for exchanging ideas and visions about the shared future between the two countries, especially amid the rapidly changing global landscape.
He pointed out the critical role of think tanks in fostering dialogue and understanding between nations and peoples and shaping the future. Al-Shehhi emphasized TRENDS’ commitment to collaborating with Chinese research centers, asserting that such cooperation contributes to a prosperous future for all.
To further this objective, TRENDS has established its office in Beijing to enhance academic and research collaboration and support researchers and scholars interested in Arab-Chinese relations in general and UAE-China relations in particular. He noted that the Silk Road symbolizes our early relations, facilitating not only the exchange of goods but also ideas, traditions, and innovations.
Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi reaffirmed the Center’s commitment to supporting efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership and to develop cooperation in various fields.
Trade and Economic Recovery
Represented by researcher Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, TRENDS also participated in a panel discussion titled “Trade and Economic Recovery,” organized by the UAE Embassy in collaboration with the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS). During the discussion, Al-Shehhi noted that the Chinese economy is experiencing a gradual recovery despite the challenges it faces, highlighting significant rebounds in the industrial and service sectors.
He explained that the current economic slowdown in China is mainly due to the contraction of the real estate sector, which poses a significant burden on the national economy. Al-Shehhi pointed out that the Chinese people are known for their high savings rate, dedicating 30 percent to 40 percent of their income to savings. Although real estate has traditionally been the preferred investment for Chinese savers, the loss of confidence in the real estate sector has led to a decline in consumption, negatively impacting the overall economy.
Al-Shehhi stressed that the recovery of the Chinese economy is not just an internal matter but of global importance. China is the leading trade partner for many countries and the primary driver of global economic growth.
Al-Shehhi mentioned that current geopolitical developments, such as the Ukrainian crisis and tensions in the Middle East, affect the global economy but do not constitute the biggest challenge for the Chinese economy. He called for a focus on the Chinese economy’s positive aspects, noting that it is undergoing a transitional phase and that the challenges it currently faces are normal in the course of economic growth.
On the other hand, researcher Shamma Ahmed Al Qutba participated in a second panel discussion titled “Education, Culture and Tourism” as part of TRENDS’ participation in the research forum “Together for Building a Sustainable and Ambitious Shared Future”, which was held under the auspices of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Beijing. In her remarks, she mentioned that to connect the new generation with heritage, digital platforms can be used to create unique cultural experiences that blend modern technology with traditional content from both the UAE and China, including creating virtual exhibitions that allow young people to visit museums and heritage sites using virtual reality (VR) technology, thereby enhancing their awareness and enriching their understanding of different cultures.
The researcher from TRENDS also suggested organizing interactive online workshops to teach traditional crafts, such as Arabic calligraphy or Chinese painting, which would provide a valuable opportunity for young people to learn about ancient manual skills and the cultural values associated with them. She pointed out that these workshops offer a space for creativity and learning and contribute to strengthening cultural ties.
She stated that the shared cultural heritage between the UAE and China can be enhanced through the production of digital content that helps connect the new generation with the history and culture of both countries and fosters their appreciation for the heritage that spans centuries, thereby enhancing cultural communication and understanding among peoples.
