Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said the UAE and China are creating a "road map" for a century of prosperity as he concluded a landmark three-day visit to Beijing.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces said his talks with President Xi Jinping served to strengthen a bond built between the Middle East and the East Asia, dating back thousands of years.
Sheikh Mohamed offered an optimistic vision for the future after attending a UAE-China youth symposium hosted by Tsinghua University in Beijing on Tuesday, in which young people expressed their intentions to build on the relations between the countries.
"I followed with interest the UAE-China youth symposium, an event which reflects the importance of dialogue among young people from diverse cultures," Sheikh Mohamed said.
"By investing in education, we believe that youth are our best hope. Pioneers who will play an influential role in the future.
"The truth is that our relations didn't begin 35 years ago only, but they started with our Arab ancestors. Our history extends back thousands of years.
"During our visits and meetings with my friend Xi Jinping, President of China, we have been able to strengthen special and strategic relations to build bridges of co-operation between the two countries."
Sheikh Mohamed added that "the two sides are laying pillars of a road map for the next 100 years, beginning with steps to teach the Chinese language in more than 200 schools in the UAE".
Sheikh Mohamed was welcomed at the Great Hall of the People on Monday as a 21-gun salute was fired, before he inspected a guard of honour formed to mark his arrival.
Sheikh Mohamed spoke glowingly of the bonds between the UAE and China, forged in great part by the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed's landmark visit in 1990.
After reflecting on the past, the two leaders looked to the future.
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Xi witnessed the signing of 16 agreements in the fields of economy, oil and environment.
In a tweet, Sheikh Mohamed wrote the deals were aimed at "developing co-operation and a comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as opening new horizons for joint action in various sectors".
Among the agreements was a deal signed between Dubai's Emaar Properties with Beijing Daxing International Airport to implement a $11 billion (Dh40.5 bn) project including residential and leisure facilities across a 5 square kilometre area at the airport.
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) also signed an agreement with state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation to explore collaborations with the world's largest oil importer.
China is one of the UAE's largest trading partners, continuing with the 2,000-years-old exchange, when merchants first voyaged between China and the Arab world, along the ancient Silk Road.
Cultivating trade from the Middle East to the Far East remains high on the agenda of both nations even today.
The UAE is an integral part of Mr Xi's Belt and Road initiative, combining a land "economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" to link China with South-East, South and Central Asia, the Arabian Gulf, North Africa, and Europe.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the visit would go down as a "milestone moment" in relations between the two countries and added that the UAE would become a "shining pearl" in the Belt and Road programme.
The Crown Prince has returned to the Emirates as an honorary professor of one of China's prestigious universities.
He received the title from Tsinghua University in Beijing as a recognition of his support for science and technology.
"I was delighted to visit Tsinghua University where I met its outstanding management team and students," Sheikh Mohamed wrote on Twitter.
"The university plays a prominent role in promoting quality education, scientific research and supports the progress of China and the development of mankind."
As part of ongoing efforts to nurture bilateral relations for generations to come, Chinese language courses will be taught at 60 schools across the UAE from September, the Ministry of Education announced on Tuesday.
The ministry has launched a drive to recruit 150 Chinese language teachers for the programme, which will be rolled out over the next three years.
Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, signed an agreement on the curriculum during the state visit.
The programme is meant to to meet the "growing interest among Emirati people to understand Chinese language and culture", state news agency Wam reported.
More than 200,000 Chinese people live in the Emirates, with about 6,000 of the country's businesses operating here.
Concerted efforts have also been made in recent years to make travel between the nations easier.
In 2018, China exempted UAE nationals from having to obtain pre-entry visas, with the possibility of staying for up to 30 days on each visit.
Sheikh Mohamed wrapped up his trip by visiting the Monument to the People's Heroes at Tiananmen Square.
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Ibrahim's play list
Completed an electrical diploma at the Adnoc Technical Institute
Works as a public relations officer with Adnoc
Apart from the piano, he plays the accordion, oud and guitar
His favourite composer is Johann Sebastian Bach
Also enjoys listening to Mozart
Likes all genres of music including Arabic music and jazz
Enjoys rock groups Scorpions and Metallica
Other musicians he likes are Syrian-American pianist Malek Jandali and Lebanese oud player Rabih Abou Khalil
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
The specs
Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 180hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 3,00rpm
Transmission: 5-speed sequential auto
Price: From Dh139,995
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GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
The Prison Letters of Nelson Mandela
Edited by Sahm Venter
Published by Liveright
Squads
Australia: Finch (c), Agar, Behrendorff, Carey, Coulter-Nile, Lynn, McDermott, Maxwell, Short, Stanlake, Stoinis, Tye, Zampa
India: Kohli (c), Khaleel, Bumrah, Chahal, Dhawan, Shreyas, Karthik, Kuldeep, Bhuvneshwar, Pandey, Krunal, Pant, Rahul, Sundar, Umesh
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Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
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Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
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Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
The specs: 2019 Subaru Forester
Price, base: Dh105,900 (Premium); Dh115,900 (Sport)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 182hp @ 5,800rpm
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Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier, in Bangkok
UAE fixtures Mon Nov 20, v China; Tue Nov 21, v Thailand; Thu Nov 23, v Nepal; Fri Nov 24, v Hong Kong; Sun Nov 26, v Malaysia; Mon Nov 27, Final
(The winners will progress to the Global Qualifier)
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
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On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
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Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346
Roger Hunt 285
Mohamed Salah 250
Gordon Hodgson 241
Billy Liddell 228
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EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
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Miss Granny
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3/5
(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)
