From January 13th to 24th, China University of Petroleum (East China)(UPC) organized a 21-member delegation of faculty and students to Khalifa University in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a winter camp of academic exchange. The delegation participated in various activities, including academic courses, field visits, and cultural exchanges. During their stay, they also attended the World Future Energy Summit and visited the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), the American University in Dubai (AUD), and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

The Delegation Participated in Winter Camp at Khalifa University

The delegation, led by Professor Li Yong from the School of Geosciences, consisted of 20 undergraduate and graduate students. During the visit, the delegation gained an in-depth understanding of the unique educational features of Khalifa University. They attended nine thematic forums and courses on topics such as power and energy, water and environment, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The delegation also visited the Body Museum, sports center, library, and laboratories, and participated in cultural exchanges such as dragon dance, fan dance, and paper cutting. Additionally, the delegationhad in-depthdiscussions with professors from the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Khalifa University, exploring opportunities to expand student exchange programs, conduct joint scientific research, and facilitate faculty visits.

The Delegation Visited the Geosciences Department at UAE University

The Delegation Visited ADNOC Laboratory

The Delegation Participated in the World Future Energy Summit

During the same period, the delegation participated in the World Future Energy Summit and successively visited relevant departments of the UAEU, the AUD as well as the ADNOC. They also engaged in discussions on talent cultivation, faculty and student exchanges, and the signing of cooperation agreements. Through these activities, the delegation had in-depth exchanges with renowned scholars and industry experts, gained insights into cutting-edge academic research, and explored future industry development trends. This experience enhanced their cross-cultural understanding and international communication skills, and further expanded the channels to cultivate high-level talents and promote faculty and student exchanges at UPC.

Khalifa University (Khalifa University of Science and Technology), named after Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the current President of the UAE and Emir of Abu Dhabi, was established in early 2017 through the merger of the former Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR), the Masdar Institute, and the Petroleum Institute. The university offers a comprehensive array of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, materials, electronics, chemical engineering, petroleum, nuclear energy, and aerospace, as well as College of Science and the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. It ranks 202nd in the QS World University Rankings 2025. As an important partnerof UPC in the Middle East, up to now, Khalifa University has received nearly 120 students from UPC to participate in CSC-sponsored programs, exchange programs, and various long- and short-term joint training projects as well as degree programs at Khalifa University.

Translated: Zhang Yu

Reviewed: Xu Xiaoyan