MBRL marks World Chinese Language Day

Marking World Chinese Language Day, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) hosted a vibrant cultural session celebrating the untold stories of the Chinese community in the UAE.

The event centred around the book The Chinese History in Dubai and welcomed its co-authors, Mao Yiming and Li Huafei, who engaged the audience in a compelling discussion on the evolution of Chinese life in the emirate.

The session, which saw wide participation and lively interaction from attendees, highlighted how Chinese migrants — beginning from humble origins — gradually established a thriving community in Dubai.

Their enduring presence has become intricately woven into the city’s commercial, cultural, and historical landscape.

During the discussion, the authors guided the audience through a fascinating journey across time, beginning with the discovery of ancient celadon porcelain shards from the Song Dynasty (9th–12th century AD) at the Jumeirah archaeological site.

The narrative then moved into the more recent past, covering the earliest Chinese telegrams sent from Dubai to China in the 1950s and 60s, the founding of the first Chinese restaurant in the UAE, and the arrival of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.

The book also explores the golden era of Chinese entrepreneurship in the 2000s, the emergence of cultural landmarks such as Dragon Mart, the boom in Chinese tourism, and the growing Chinese presence in areas like International City.

It also reflects on the gradual shift from traditional trade practices to modern economic models.

Enhancing the cultural ambience of the evening, the event featured a live performance of traditional Chinese music, immersing attendees in the rich sounds of East Asian heritage.

In a thoughtful cultural gesture, guests received personalised bookmarks with their names elegantly rendered in Chinese calligraphy.

The authors underlined the personal and historical significance of the project, stating: “The history of the Chinese in Dubai may seem insignificant on a world map, but to those who have lived it, it is deeply meaningful. If no one had recorded it, it would have never existed.”

They also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the many “old Dubai Chinese” whose stories and contributions were instrumental in bringing the book to life.