Education

The Chinese National Table Tennis Team - in Dubai following their recent triumph in the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Team Cup had the opportunity to learn about its rich Arabian heritage and traditions.
The day after their victory the Dubai-sponsored team which has been integral in developing the grassroots game in the UAE through their support of Ping Pong Dubai took a tour of the emirates unique cultural landscape, starting with a morning visit to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.
The afternoon saw the players barter with merchants at the gold, spice and textile souks, travel along Dubai Creek on an Abra, ride camels, drive across sand dunes in 4x4s and even play ping pong in the desert.

Olympic gold medallist Zhang Jike said: It was a real surprise for us. Of course, we know all about the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa, but we saw a different side of the city. I had no idea about its culture and heritage and to experience the desert made me think how incredible it is that Dubai has grown so much in such a short space of time.

Ding Ning, the womens world No 1, said: Speeding through the desert in a 4x4 was the most exciting. It was like a roller coaster ride; the drivers are brilliant, climbing huge slopes and then flying down the other side was a real thrill. Taking a camel ride against the beautiful backdrop of the desert was also amazing.

Ma Long, the mens world No 2, also enjoyed the tour and said: Playing ping pong with my teammates in the middle of the desert, with no-one around for miles, was an experience Ill never forget.

World No 2 Liu Shiwen said: I love to shop and walking through the old souks was fascinating. It was so different to the malls in Dubai, almost like stepping into a different time. It was great fun trying to barter with the local merchants. Incredibly, many of them know a little Chinese.
Joining the players on the tour was UAE No 1 Majd Albalooshi, along with teammates Xu Xin, Fan Zhendong, Fang Bo, Li Xiaoxia and Zhu Yuling, and Chinese Table Tennis Association representatives.

Will Oscroft, Director of Marketing and Communications at Falcon and Associates, which facilitated Dubais sponsorship of the team, said: Continuing to reinforce the already strong ties between China and Dubai is strategically important for both parties. By sponsoring the China table tennis team we hope not only to grow the game here but to transcend the world of sport and connect on a cultural level to increase mutual understanding. It was great to see the players engaging with the people of Dubai and enjoying the natural beauty of the desert. We were able to show them a different side to Dubai and I am sure these experiences will be ones they remember and talk about.

Visit the Ping Pong Dubai Facebook page, for further images, along with regular updates on forthcoming events and activities.

• Tags
• #Business
• #Magazine
• #Lifestyle