"In China, you never feel like a foreigner." What do Chinese and Arab cultures have in common? At the 2026 World Chinese Language Conference, CGTN's Merna Al Nasser spoke with Dr. Eesa Bastaki, president of the University of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, about the growing interest in Chinese language education in the UAE and the cultural values that bring Chinese and Arab people closer.

From mutual respect and tolerance to a shared love of peace, Bastaki reflects on how language and culture can build bridges between nations. As a special gift for Merna to take home from the conference, Bastaki wrote down a simple yet meaningful message: "China is beautiful and people are peaceful."