Tsinghua University President Li Luming led a delegation to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 14 to 15. The delegation visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and held meetings with various sectors to promote the expansion of collaboration between the University and the UAE in the fields of education, research and talent development.

Li Luming meets with H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Li met with H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on January 15. Following an introduction to Tsinghua's reform and development, Li emphasized that “openness” is a distinct feature of China’s path to modernization. Tsinghua is committed to expanding high-quality educational exchanges, with a special focus on its cooperation with the UAE, which has yielded notable achievements. He expressed hope to deepen cooperation further, taking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the UAE as a new starting point, and contribute to elevating the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

The Crown Prince welcomed Li and his delegation, expressing his admiration for the achievements of Tsinghua. He conveyed UAE’s support for extensive cooperation between the country’s various sectors and Tsinghua, hoping this collaboration will lead to even greater outcomes. He also expressed willingness to visit Tsinghua in the future.

Li Luming meets with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak.

Later that afternoon, Li met with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, UAE presidential special envoy to China, as well as chief executive officer and managing director of Mubadala Investment Company. Li emphasized that, under the guidance of the China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership, Tsinghua and UAE universities have made significant strides in areas like talent development and scientific research. He said he hoped both sides would continue to advance cooperation and generate more fruitful outcomes. Khaldoon recalled his visit to Tsinghua and emphasized that the UAE views its relationship with China as one of its most important bilateral ties, with higher education being a key collaboration area. He expressed optimism that the partnership would bring long-term benefits to the people of both countries.

On the same day, Li also met with Rima Al Mokarrab, the executive director of the Strategic Affairs Unit of the Executive Affairs Authority, for further discussions on deepening cooperation.

Li Luming meets with Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy.

Li met with Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, the UAE’s minister of state for international cooperation, on January 14. Li introduced Tsinghua's recent global strategy initiatives, emphasizing the University’s commitment to strengthening practical cooperation with the UAE and contributing to the shared prosperity and high-quality development of higher education in both countries. Reem, who recalled her time studying at Tsinghua University, expressed her full support for the deepening of cooperation between Tsinghua and the UAE, and looked forward to fruitful results from their collaboration.

Li Luming meets with Ebrahim Saeed Al Hajri.

On the same day, Li also met with Ebrahim Saeed Al Hajri, president of Khalifa University, and attended the Tsinghua-Khalifa University Joint Workshop on Matter, Energy, Safety and Health, MESH, co-organized by Tsinghua’s Department of Engineering Physics and Khalifa University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Li praised the successful collaboration between Tsinghua and Khalifa University in talent development and scientific research, and hoped the two institutions would continue to strengthen exchanges and contribute to addressing global challenges through enhanced educational and research partnerships. Ebrahim said he looked forward to further cooperation in areas such as student and faculty exchanges, research collaboration and the commercialization of research outcomes.

Li Luming attends the inauguration of Tsinghua Alumni Association of the UAE.

During his visit, Li also visited the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, where he met with Ambassador Zhang Yiming to discuss the further development of China-UAE higher education cooperation. He also met with Fabio Piano, vice chancellor of New York University Abu Dhabi, to exchange ideas on education, teaching and research innovations. In addition, Li attended the inauguration of the Tsinghua Alumni Association of the UAE, conveying congratulations and hope that alumni in the UAE will continue to contribute to China-UAE cooperation and global development.

Editors: Li Han, Xu Ziqian