Dubai, China join hands in traditional Chinese medicine research

A Dubai higher learning institution and a Chinese traditional medicine research body signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here on Sunday to set up strong research and learning foundations for Chinese medicine in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East.

The signatories, Dubai's Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and China's Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine (SICCTM), will work together on strengthening international academic and professional communication, scientific research and development, as well as education and training on Chinese medicine. Their joint efforts will initially focus on Dubai and eventually expand to the entire UAE and wider Middle East region.

Mansoor Al Awar, chancellor of HBMSU and chairman of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) governing board, said "as a pioneer in various forms, areas and manner of learning, HBMSU has forged a partnership with Shanghai International Cooperation Center of Traditional Medicine to equip learners and practitioners with knowledge and skills culled from respected Chinese and Arabian experts in Chinese medicine."

He pointed out that the bilateral cooperation with a leading Chinese research group advances HBMSU's new direction toward spreading knowledge about methodologies and practices that provide wider choices for enjoying a healthy and sound life.

He also said that the efforts were in line with the aspirations of the UAE's leadership to bring happiness to the people and ensure the well-being of the community.

Earlier in February, Ohood Al Roumi was appointed the UAE's first Minister of State for Happiness, a first in the Arab world.

"We are confident that the move will be a quantum leap for us to establish the university as a pioneering Knowledge Center of Chinese Medicine, which is an old science that has proven exceptionally efficient in healing the sick by addressing their physical, spiritual, psychological and social aspects," Al Awar added.

Li Shang, director of the Shanghai facility, said "in recent years traditional Chinese medicine has gained more and more understanding worldwide, including in the Middle East, with its market share gradually expanding.

He also noted that UAE is the "biggest and most open market" among the Gulf countries, adding that "the MoU with HBMSU comes as a qualitative step in meeting the growing demand for supplying the regional market with qualified staff in accordance with the highest international standards to provide treatments based on reliable and integrated methodologies."

"Bilateral cooperation is important as it paves the way for us to spread the culture of Chinese medicine in the Arab world, as well as establish a solid foundation for integrating academic and research resources and professional and social aspects on the way to an innovative model that combines the best practices of Chinese medicine," said the academic

Chinese medicine is an ancient science dating back to thousands of years. It is characterized by diversity and includes herbal medicine and acupuncture, massage therapy, nutrition and others. Endit