The agreement, which began in 2016 and was renewed in 2019, is now in its third version, building upon previous achievements in theatre technology training. The Arab Theatre Institute has sent trainees from various Arab countries to participate in different iterations of the Sino-Arab training program, which reached its thirteenth iteration this year. The Institute also organized several workshops within the framework of the Arab Theatre Festival, during which Chinese experts shared their expertise with Arab trainees.

Bridge of trust between Chinese culture and the Arab world

Through this agreement, the Arab Theatre Institute seeks to strengthen and develop cultural, artistic, and technical cooperation, as well as the exchange of publications and performances. Mr. Yi Yu Ping, Chairman of the Yinchuan Scenography Department, stated on this occasion: “We in Yinchuan (the Phoenix City) view our cooperation with the Arab Theatre Institute with great pride. It has formed a bridge of trust between Chinese culture and the Arab world, and we look forward to further cooperation and cultural exchange.”

New horizons of cooperation between the sons of two ancient civilisations

For his part, Ismail Abdullah, Secretary-General of the Arab Theatre Institute, stated: “This version of the agreement between us, as the home of Arab theatre artists, and the Yinchuan Scenography Department opens up new horizons of cooperation between the sons of two ancient civilisations, drawing from profound spiritual and human experiences. These are two civilisations brought together by sea caravans and the Silk Road, caravans that carried and exchanged arts and culture. Today, we are building new bridges, sending Arab theatre artists to learn and enrich their theatrical knowledge, and bringing in experts for workshops we organize for the benefit of Arab theatre artists. This new phase will witness an expansion of projects that enhance theatrical sustainability on several levels.”

Ghannam Ghannam, Director of Rehabilitation, Training and School Theater, delivered a speech at the opening of the 13th Chinese-Arab session, during which he conveyed the greetings of the Secretary-General and presented to the President of the Scenography Authority in Yinchuan the Arab Theater Authority Shield 2026, a book of plays by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammaed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and a book of the memory treasury of the Damascus Theatre Festival.