On August 8, a delegation from Zhejiang University's Zhiyuan Plan School of Media headed to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an overseas social practice program, and visited the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, where they were warmly received by Ambassador Zhang Yiming.

Ambassador Zhang extended a hearty welcome to the delegation and introduced the socio-political and economic educational scenario in the UAE. He highlighted the UAE as a nation linking the world and connecting the future with its inclusivity, vibrancy, openness, and safety. Currently, over 300,000 expatriates and nearly 6,000 Chinese enterprises are based in the UAE, showcasing the high-level political relations and extensive economic collaboration between China and the UAE. The UAE has emerged as one of the crucial partners in the Belt and Road initiative. As this year marks the tenth anniversary of the initiative and next year the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, Ambassador Zhang encouraged the delegation to seize this significant juncture to delve into the local cultural background and social development scenario, and conduct research and practical activities on the decade-long economic and cultural exchanges between China and the UAE from a youthful perspective.

Members of the practice team then introduced the Zhejiang University's Zhiyuan Plan graduate overseas social practice program and the objectives of this practice initiative. Dr. Zhang Yong, a leading professor and part of the “Hundred Talents Program” from the School of Media and International Culture, briefed Ambassador Zhang on one of the significant outcomes of this practice venture—collaborating with CGTN Arabic channel in filming the documentary I Go to the Silk Road, aiming to showcase the developmental achievements of the UAE and the broad prospects of Sino-UAE relations.

Ambassador Zhang appreciated the contemporary relevance of documentary as a medium, which would help audiences from both countries understand the overseas endeavors of Chinese individuals and the current state of China-UAE cooperation from a new perspective. He stressed the importance of deeply understanding the development pulse of the UAE and the mainstream of China-UAE relations to produce high-quality work reflecting the friendship between China and the UAE, thereby enhancing the transmission power of the narrative, and acting as a bridge and messenger for Sino-UAE relations in the new era.

Ambassador Zhang provided valuable suggestions to the practice team for refining their research plans and filming proposals. The members of the practice team expressed that they would immerse themselves in local communities in their future practices, experience the social fabric of the UAE, and portray the bustling Sino-UAE cooperation scenario comprehensively and vividly with real stories, contributing to the deepening of friendly exchanges and cooperation between China and the UAE.

The Zhejiang University Zhiyuan Plan delegation to the UAE focuses on narrating China's stories and disseminating China's voice under the Belt and Road framework. During the four-week social practice program, the team will visit overseas embassies, world-class media outlets, renowned universities, over 20 Chinese individuals and more than 10 Chinese enterprises in the UAE, recording the vibrant stories of grassroots cooperation between China and the UAE, and exploring how China's image is shaped in Sino-UAE economic and cultural exchanges.