King Abdulaziz Library Branch at Beijing University Enhances Arab-Chinese Cultural Interaction

The King Abdulaziz Public Library branch at Beijing University hosted a series of cultural events in October. SPA
The King Abdulaziz Public Library branch at Beijing University hosted a series of cultural events in October. SPA
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King Abdulaziz Library Branch at Beijing University Enhances Arab-Chinese Cultural Interaction

The King Abdulaziz Public Library branch at Beijing University hosted a series of cultural events in October. SPA
The King Abdulaziz Public Library branch at Beijing University hosted a series of cultural events in October. SPA

The King Abdulaziz Public Library branch at Beijing University hosted a series of cultural events in October aimed at enhancing cooperation and communication between Arab and Chinese cultures.

The branch welcomed Shanghai Art Collection Museum president Hu Muqing, whose visit was part of efforts to strengthen cultural and artistic collaboration between the two institutions.

During the visit, Muqing was introduced to the library's various sections and cultural programs. He discussed with library officials the potential for future cooperation in organizing joint exhibitions and launching cultural and artistic projects that combine Saudi and Chinese cultural heritage. The two sides explored the possibility of holding events to exchange art collections and artifacts, which would expand the horizons of artistic exchange between the two nations.

The library branch also received a delegation from Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA), led by its General Director of Planning and Development for Grants, Dr. Maha Al-Mozaini. The visit aimed to enhance cultural and academic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China, with discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration in energy, industrial leadership, sustainable development, and healthcare.

As part of its periodic scientific and cultural seminars, the library branch, in cooperation with the Languages Faculty, hosted a cultural and educational seminar on the experience of teaching Arabic and Chinese languages in Egypt. The event was attended by academics and experts in the fields of language, culture, and education from both countries, along with a large number of students interested in language learning and cultural communication.

A delegation from Tianjin Publishing House visited the King Abdulaziz Public Library branch to enhance cultural and intellectual cooperation between the two parties. The visit included a tour of the library's various sections, featuring Arabic and Chinese books as well as photos, manuscripts, documents, and cultural materials that contribute to reinforcing the foundation of knowledge-based relations between Arab and Chinese cultures.



Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial to Launch on November 15

The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will feature over 70 UAE-based and international artists. WAM
The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will feature over 70 UAE-based and international artists. WAM
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Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial to Launch on November 15

The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will feature over 70 UAE-based and international artists. WAM
The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will feature over 70 UAE-based and international artists. WAM

The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will commence on November 15, featuring over 70 UAE-based and international artists who will present site-specific installations and performances in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, themed ‘Public Matter,’ Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) as a key pillar of its Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, artists will include Allora & Calzadilla, Arquitectura Expandida, Christopher Joshua Benton, Farah Al Qasimi, guBuyoBand, Hashel Al Lamki, Kabir Mohanty, Khalil Rabah, Oscar Murillo, Radhika Khimji, Sammy Baloji, Tarik Kiswanson, Wael Al Awar, Zeinab Alhashemi and more, WAM said.

The first Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial focuses on redefining the concept of "public" within the unique context of Abu Dhabi, considering factors such as environmental conditions, communal living, and city planning. It highlights the influence of a diverse, immigrant population on the city's public life and emphasizes values like hospitality and generosity.

The Biennial aims to explore the cultural experiences of various transitory communities and their integration into public spaces. By showcasing site-specific artworks and performances in accessible downtown locations, it underscores the significance of public art as a communal resource.

"We are launching the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial as part of our wider cultural vision, providing a unique platform for our community to both appreciate our cultural heritage and be inspired by contemporary art. It also reflects our commitment to supporting creatives in Abu Dhabi, the global south and the rest of the world through flagship art programs,” said DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak.

“Taking over key sites in Abu Dhabi City and Al Ain, the Biennial will further position the emirate as a center for culture and creativity, and ensure transformative, inclusive and accessible art encounters are available to both our residents and visitors.”