The 13th China-Arab States Stage Technicians Training Program, hereinafter referred to as the “Training Program,” opened on the 20th May 2026 in Yinchuan, Ningxia. More than 20 trainees from seven Arab countries, including the UAE, Qatar, and Morocco, will participate in an 11-day training and exchange program in Yinchuan and Guangzhou. They will study the latest achievements and experience in the innovative development of Chinese stage technology, jointly promoting China-Arab cultural exchanges and cooperation.
It is reported that the trainees from Arab countries participating in the Training Program cover multiple professional fields of stage technology, including playwriting, lighting, sound, and theater management. Yi Yuping, President of Yinchuan Stage Design Society, said that the Training Program has invited well-known experts and scholars from China to give lectures, with content including theoretical training, practical exercises, and achievement presentations. During the training, the trainees will also go to Guangzhou to attend the 24th Guangzhou International Professional Lighting and Exhibition, visit equipmentmanufacturers, and learn about China’s achievements in the production and manufacturing of stage equipment.
“During the training period, we have also arranged observational and exchange activities such as theatrical performances, theater visits, and professional forums. We hope that within the limited time, our Arab friends can fully experience the profound heritage of Chinese culture and China’s professional capabilities in the field of stage technology. Through extensive exchanges, we aim to promote in-depth cooperation between China and Arab countries in culture, tourism, economy and trade, and other fields,” Yi Yuping said.
The China-Arab Stage Technicians Training Program is one of the key projects under the framework of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. It aims to promote in-depth exchanges and learning between China and Arab countries in fields such as stage technology, lighting, and sound; showcase China’s achievements in stage equipment and technology; and strengthen China-Arab cultural exchanges and cooperation. This year’s Training Program has been included by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China as a supporting activity of the 6th Arabic Arts Festival to be held in China in 2026.
The project is hosted by the Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Ningxia, and organized by the Yinchuan Municipal Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio and Television, and implemented by Yinchuan Stage Design Society. Since its official launch in 2012, it has trained nearly 1,000 professional technicians for Arab countries and facilitated China-Arab stage equipment purchase and sales contracts worth more than 10 million US dollars.
“Through this platform, we have not only shared advanced technologies in the fields of stage, lighting, sound, and special effects, but also built a bridge for mutual learning between Chinese and Arab civilizations,” said Xuan Na, Director of the Division of International Exchanges and Cooperation of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Ningxia. She said that with the help of this platform, Arab trainees bring Chinese technology back to their own countries while also sending their children to study in China, continuously enhancing cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Arab states.
Annam Saber, Director of Theater Training, Arab Theater Association, who participated in the Training Program, said that since the association signed a cooperation agreement with Yinchuan Stage Design Society in 2016, it has closely followed the progress and achievements of each Training Program. It has also continuously recommended outstanding young professionals from the Arab world to the Chinese host and organizer to participate in the program, absorbing and drawing on advanced Chinese experience in stage technology and modern stage design achievements.
“During this Training Program, we will sign a new version of the memorandum of cooperation to promote deeper dialogue and exchanges between the two sides. We hope to continue carrying out practical cooperation in the field of stage technology equipment trade, open new windows, and create new opportunities,” Annam Saber said.
According to Zhou Houjin, Vice Chairman of the China Entertainment Technology Association, in recent years, with rapid scientific and technological progress, China’s performing arts equipment industry has been demonstrating unprecedented vitality and responsibility in the international market: more than 70 percent of global stage lighting equipment is produced in China. At the same time, China’s key technologies in stage machinery precision control, intelligent lifting, heavy-load safety, waterproofing, sandstorm resistance, and long-cycle stable operation have reached an internationally advanced level.
“Chinese technology has not only achieved a historic leap from ‘following’ to ‘leading,’ but has also shone brightly on the global stage. China-Arab cooperation in the field of stage technology has long gone beyond simple equipment trade and has yielded fruitful and practical results in the depths of cultural exchange,” Zhou Houjin said.
