The Sharjah Heritage Institute has announced the establishment of the "Arab Culture Hall" at Zhejiang University of Industrial and Commercial Sciences in China, which will house a collection of books, collectibles and films to cater to non-Arabic speakers.

The announcement came during a meeting between Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, President of the Sharjah Heritage Institute, and Dr. Aida, Professor at the Faculty of Arabic Language at Zhejiang University, where they discussed the prospects of co-operation between the institute and the university.

Dr. Al Musallam said that the institute is working in accordance with the wise vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to spread the Arabic language and culture around the world, especially in universities, institutes and centres with an interest in intercultural communication and discovering the rich Arabic culture and heritage. The institute's work is part of Dr. Sheikh Sultan's directives and his ongoing interest in Arab and Islamic civilisation, and how they are defined and viewed in other countries, he added.

He said that the meeting is part of an overall framework to discuss co-operation in the exchange of culture and heritage between the UAE and China, as well as to strengthen their relationship, while promoting and sharing their heritage, culture, knowledge, information and experience, in order to preserve their cultures, as major components of their national identities.

Dr. Aida visited the various facilities and sections of the institute and listened to a detailed explanation about its role, status and function, as well as its efforts to preserve local heritage for future generations.

She also expressed her admiration for the institute's activities, as well as its key role in presenting the cultures and histories of other communities.