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Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, collaborated with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to present a Chinese Spring Festival that centered on an evening of cultural celebration at the HBKU Student Center within Education City. The evening’s entertainment included performances by an artistic troupe and marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year, which this year has been designated as the Year of the Fire Rooster.
Hosted by the Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII) within HKBU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which currently offers classes in Mandarin Chinese among a wide range of community-focused language programs, the event was attended by the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Mr. Li, and the founding dean of HBKU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Amal Al Malki.
A crowd that included members of the local and Chinese community in Qatar filled the HBKU Student Center cinema and was treated to a range of colorful live performances by Chinese singers, instrumentalists, and dancers. Traditional and contemporary Chinese music accompanied most of the performances, with one song performed in Arabic, to the delight of the audience.
Commenting on the event, His Excellency the Ambassador said: “This event, jointly held by our embassy and TII within CHSS, HBKU, rendered a warm festive family atmosphere among our audience from various local communities. It has also reflected the friendship and strategic relations between China and Qatar consolidated right after the China Qatar Year of Culture.”
Dr. Amal Al Malki added: “Learning a new language helps us establish meaningful relationships with other cultures. Opening up to other cultures allows us all to be more appreciative of other ways of doing and looking at things. Celebrating the Chinese New Year with the Chinese Embassy in Qatar is an example of how different languages can bring cultures together.”
Following the performances, members of the audience were invited to have their photographs taken with the artists in their traditional Chinese costumes and to enjoy a dinner that included a combination of Chinese and Arabic dishes.