More UAE residents are learning Chinese

Learning Chinese is not only becoming trendy, it also opens up more opportunities for UAE residents. With the growing influence of China in the global landscape, being able to speak Chinese is considered an advantage.

Qi Ye, managing director of Dubai-based Nihao Institute said, “there is an increasing number of youngsters and adults attending Chinese language programmes, in order to stay competitive in their school, career, or facilitate interactions with Chinese businesses."

There is also a drive to deepen mutual relationship and cultural exchange between the UAE and China. In 2019, the Ministry of Education launched the Chinese Learning Programme in public schools — and it has been well received by students and parents.

This year, as the UAE and China mark their 40th anniversary of bilateral relationship, a total of 64,778 students have enrolled in the Chinese Language Programme across 170 schools.

Apart from schools, there are a number of learning institutes offering Chinese language training programme.

Great Wall Language Institute offers Chinese classes to both overseas Chinese and non-native Chinese students who are interested in the courses.

According to Ms Xiaojun Yin, founder and director of the institute, out of the 400 students, there are about 200 non-native Chinese students, and 20 per cent of them are Emiratis.

Initially, the students were enrolled by their parents due to previous connections with China, either through work or business interactions. But now, the trend of learning isn’t just confined to students but also among working professionals who are seeking to advance in their career.

Great Wall Language Institutes, for instance, hosts Chinese business language training courses for Chinese companies and real estate agencies in the UAE. The courses cover basic communications, cultures, etiquette and taboos in business interactions.

Nihao Institute offers Chinese courses after class or weekends for students in different levels, and Chinese training programs in international schools. Nihao Institute works with local government and organisations to provide specific training courses for adults.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Dubai, meanwhile, provides four levels of Chinese language courses for two semesters in a year.

For oral practice, Xiaojun Yin told students to engage Chinese in their daily life, such as watching Chinese movies, shows or learning Chinese songs. They can watch videos that are easier for them to understand during learning process.