“Sorry, this event is exclusively for women. Men are not allowed, not even staff members. Thank you for your understanding,” said Aisha, Executive Manager of the Sharjah Ladies Club. With that, the director of the center was cheerfully stopped at the entrance by a “Men Not Allowed” sign.
On May 17, 2025, at the invitation of the Sharjah Ladies Club, the China Cultural Center in the UAE held the Chinese Culture and Tourism Festival in Sharjah.
The event featured a wide range of interactive experiences, including traditional Chinese lantern-making workshops, calligraphy and tea appreciation, Chinese character henna tattoos, and lucky red envelope draws. A traditional dragon drum performance, guzheng music, and classical Chinese dance delighted the audience. Emirati women and children, many dressed in Chinese-inspired outfits and accessories, joined in the performances with enthusiasm.
The Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) experience area dazzled visitors with its elegance. The Jingdezhen “Linglong porcelain” on display under special lighting drew amazement from children. Panda-themed blind boxes sold out quickly, prompting vendors to exclaim that they had underestimated the demand. A young girl named Fatima efficiently coordinated her family: her mother queued for blind boxes, her sister for fried and spicy skewers, while Fatima herself waited for snowflake crisps and glutinous rice lemon tea. Nearby, Latifa and Mohammed argued over the ownership of a Chinese folding fan. After eating their fill, they joined Aisha’s younger brother in a spirited game of Chinese shuttlecock. The three Sharjah children even held their own “Sharjah Cup” shuttlecock tournament.
Sheikha, Vice Chairwoman of the Sharjah Ladies Club, explained that following the success of Japanese and Korean cultural festivals in recent years, club members had been eager to experience a Chinese cultural tourism festival. Many hoped to learn more about Chinese culture and destinations with plans to travel to China with their families. Collaborating with the China Cultural Center and various Chinese food and cultural vendors in the UAE laid the foundation for this event. However, it was the Emirati women’s genuine interest and deep affection for Chinese culture that made the event a true success.
“Founded in 1982, the Sharjah Ladies Club is the UAE’s first comprehensive institution dedicated to women and children. Under the patronage and guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, the club is committed to its vision of ‘inspiring women towards excellence.’ Through professional training, leadership development programs, and cultural and artistic initiatives, the club empowers women in their personal growth and participation in society.”
