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Dubai, September 30, 2014:The Confucius Institute at University of Dubai (CIUD) celebrated on Saturday September 27, 2014, the 10th anniversary of the founding of Confucius Institute and the First Global Confucius Institute Day.

The celebration was attended by H.E. Tang Weibin,Consul General of China in Dubai,H.E. Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber, H.E. Hisham Abdullah Al Shirawi, Vice-Chairman of Dubai Chamber, Dr. IssaBastaki, President of University of Dubai, representatives of the Chinesebusiness community, UD staff and faculty as well as CIUD students and well-wishers.

Opening the celebration, Ma Jun, Director of CIUD,said: This year is the 10th anniversary of the founding of Confucius Institute, which was established in 2004. In the past 10 years, Confucius Institutes have been warmly welcomed by foreign governments and people as an important platform to learn Chinese, understand Chinese culture and communicate with each other.

The Chinese Consul General said Confucius and his teachings havehelped shape Chinese and world history. H.E. Tang Weibincommended the work ofConfucius Institutes all over the world, and highlighted the unique relation betweenConfucius Institute and University of Dubai. The Consul General also thanked the Dubai Chamber for its support and cooperation with the Chinese business community in the UAE.

On the occasion, Dr. IssaBastakidescribedthe University of Dubai, its programs and educational missions. He also spoke onDubais historic past, citingarcheological discoveries in Dubai dating to 4000 years back. Dr.Bastaki said Dubais business modelof openness and fairness has grown progressively since the 19th century. He praised the role of the Al-Maktoum rulers in advancing the ideas of openness and fairness among peoples and nations.

H.E. Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair spoke on the importance of cultural and business cooperation between China and Dubai. He stated that Dubai Chamber will continue to support international centers such as Confucius Institute which offer valuable cultural and educational missions. He also pledged support for University of Dubai, describing it as the first university in the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to work with Confucius Institute and help expand its cultural mission.

Following address by key dignitaries, a Chinese performance was presented by Dubai Dream Wing Group.

Confucius Institute at University of Dubai was established in 2011 jointly by University of Dubai and Ningxia University. In the past three years, CIUD has been achieving healthy and sustainable development based on the cooperation between the two universities. CIUD has constantlyorganized Chinese programs for local government departments and held cultural activities, which have been highly appreciated. Over the past three years, CIUD has enrolled more than 500 students, of which three have received Confucius Institute scholarship to study in Ningxia University. CIUD has successfully hosted and completed a number of major tasks and projects since joining the University of Dubai.

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