The China Today Intangible Cultural Heritage Pavilion, established by the Centre for Europe and Africa of China International Communications Group (CICG), made its debut on the opening day of the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on 26 April. 

The China Today Intangible Cultural Heritage Pavilion, set up by the CICG Centre for Europe and Africa, is unveiled at the 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair on 26 April 

UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan visits the China Today Intangible Cultural Heritage Pavilion 

Ali bin Tamim, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, poses for a photo at the Puchou Silk booth of the China Today Intangible Cultural Heritage Pavilion 

Visitors experience the art of Chinese tea-making at the China Today Intangible Cultural Heritage Pavilion 

Visitors admire artworks at the China Today Intangible Cultural Heritage Pavilion 

This year's book fair, themed “Knowledge Illuminates Our Community,” attracted 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries and regions. As a partner of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre and the book fair’s organising committee, the CICG Centre for Europe and Africa established the China Today Intangible Cultural Heritage Pavilion. The pavilion, consisting of three exhibition halls and covering an area of 400 square metres, featured a rich array of exhibits such as porcelain for daily use, artistic porcelain, and master-crafted porcelain; Puchou Silk; fashion created with intangible heritage techniques; tea products; derivative products of traditional Chinese medicine; famous Chinese calligraphy and painting artworks; natural treasures from Xizang; collectible-level jewellery artworks; and various creative products featuring intangible culture. More than a thousand pieces of intangible cultural heritage artworks and creative products provided by dozens of artists and entrepreneurs from 16 organisations created a vibrant highlight at the Abu Dhabi Book Fair. 

On the opening day, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs; Ali bin Tamim, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre; Hussein Fahmy, president of the Cairo International Film Festival; and Mohammed Rashad, president of the Arab Publishers Association, visited the pavilion and made remarks. The pavilion also welcomed visitors from China, the UAE, Egypt, Algeria, Jordan, Syria, Albania, the Philippines, and India, among other countries, who explored the displays and purchased items. Visitors expressed high admiration for the exquisite Chinese craftsmanship, and were deeply impressed by the rich traditional Chinese culture embodied in the intangible cultural heritage products. 

The China Today Intangible Cultural Heritage Pavilion programme aims to provide an opportunity to showcase Chinese traditional crafts to the world while deepening foreigners’ understanding and appreciation of China’s outstanding traditional culture. It is also committed to preserving and passing on cultural heritage, promoting outstanding traditional Chinese culture, and advancing cultural exchanges between China and Arab countries. 

As one of the largest and most influential book exhibitions and cultural platforms in West Asia and North Africa, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is committed to building a bridge between Arab and international cultural publishing institutions, creating new cooperation opportunities for participants, and fostering a sound development of regional culture and publishing industry.