Glimpses of innovation capture spirit of China-Arab States Expo

The rhythm of an ancient trade route seems to pulse anew here at the 7th China-Arab States Expo. Beyond the high-level dialogues and agreements, it was the on-the-ground glimpses of innovation that captured the spirit of this gathering.

Walking through the expansive exhibition halls, I could immediately sense the evolution of the relationship between China and the Arab world. The traditional strongholds of trade — energy, infrastructure and agricultural products — have been well represented.

Yet, what stood out most was the vibrant emphasis on new sectors: digital economy, green technology, healthcare and artificial intelligence.

In the bustling hall, a robot making jianbing guozi (Chinese pancake wrap) drew curious crowds. With precision, it spread batter, added eggs and scallions, and folded the crepe into a perfect parcel — all in under three minutes.

Nearby, another breakthrough was stirring attention: an AI brain-computer interface paired with an exoskeleton, enabling individuals with mobility challenges to walk again.

Then came a robotic dog, draped in a traditional Chinese lion dance costume, which moved with uncanny grace to the beat of drums, its motions both precise and expressive.

At a seminar, Ali Al-Amin, an economics expert and head of the Investment Unit at Sharjah Islamic Bank, told me: "China has the technology and scale; we have the ambition and the resources. Together, we can build the future."

What makes this synergy so powerful is the alignment of vision. China's technological advancement and manufacturing prowess meet the Arab nations' determined drive for economic diversification, as enshrined in Saudi Vision 2030 or the UAE's Centennial 2071 plan.

For the first time, all 22 Arab nations joined, alongside every Chinese provincial region, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, as well as representatives from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan — a testament to the expo's growing influence.

What struck me most was the narrative of a shared future. In an era of global uncertainty, the China-Arab partnership stands as a compelling example of South-South cooperation, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. It is pragmatic, forward-looking and increasingly digital.

As Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre emphasized at the opening ceremony, China's Belt and Road Initiative and platforms like the China-Arab States Expo prove that connectivity and open cooperation are the optimal paths toward shared development, stability and prosperity.

The future of China-Arab relations is being written not only in boardrooms, but in the tech hubs, wind farms and digital payment platforms that are now at the heart of this burgeoning partnership. The expo was not merely a trade fair; it was a preview of that shared future.