China and Arab nations boast longstanding friendships and educational cooperation plays a critical role in deepening the ties, said Muhannad Alnaqbi, consul general of the United Arab Emirates in Shanghai, who expects youths from both sides to collaborate more in diverse sectors, including green energy, technology and culture.

Abdulaziz, one of the 33 students on the program who is deeply interested in Chinese culture, said he wants to take the chance to learn more about China, improve his professional skills and contribute to the cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Focusing on an interdisciplinary approach that combines technology and humanities, the program will enable participants to comprehensively learn about China's technological advances, and aims to equip them with a global perspective to enhance youth communication between the regions.