From January 13 to 25, 2025, the Khalifa University Winter Camp was successfully held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. China University of Petroleum-Beijing (CUPB)led a delegation of 20 outstanding students from its own campus and six partner universities, including Peking University, Shandong University, Xiamen University, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and North China Electric Power University, to participate in the event. The winter camp is part of CUPB's ongoing series of overseas student activities themed "Carbon Neutrality, Green Energy Transition, and International Competence."

Over the course of the 13-day program, participants visited the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, attended the 2025 World Future Energy Summit, engaged in specialized lectures on energy-related topics, held the "China-Arab Cultural Exchange Festival," and toured key landmarks to experience the rich culture and diverse traditions of the UAE.

At the opening ceremony, the Vice President of Khalifa University warmly welcomed the students and faculty. He stated that Khalifa University is committed to becoming a world-leading research university and fostering international collaboration. This winter camp marks the second collaboration between Khalifa University, CUPB, and other partner universities. He expressed hope that this event would further enhance educational exchanges and cooperation between China and the UAE, inspire students' innovative potential, and strengthen the ties of friendship between the youth from both nations.

The winter camp featured a series of lectures centered around nine key themes: energy, environment, health, materials, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, aerospace, information technology, and sustainable development. Participantshad the opportunity to visit Khalifa University’s laboratories and research centers, gaining valuable insights into cutting-edge research and technological advancements in the energy sector. They also explored cutting-edge technologies such as world-class green energy materials, state-of-the-art nanotechnology, and advanced AI robotics.

At the 2025 World Future Energy Summit (WFES 2025), the winter camp participants engaged with the latest advancements and innovative concepts in the energy industry, with a focus on sustainability. They engaged in in-depth discussions and learning sessions on topics such as improving energy efficiency, ensuring supply security, and reducing carbon emissions. In the exhibition halls, the students not only explored cutting-edge technologies and products in fields such as photovoltaics and energy storage from over 400 global exhibitors, but also participated in face-to-face conversations with industry professionals. These interactions fostered meaningful dialogues on building a greener future for the energy sector.

During their visit to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the world’s sixth-largest oil company, members of the winter camp gained valuable insights into the company's historical development, technological advancements, and achievements in sustainable development. They toured ADNOC’s technology exhibition hall and engaged in discussions with industry experts on the applications of emerging technologies and advanced equipment in the oil and gas sector, further deepening their understanding of the UAE’s energy landscape and its future trajectory.

As part of the China-Arab Cultural Exchange Festival,students and faculty showcased the depth and richness of Chinese heritage through dynamic performances,such as dragon dance, umbrella dance, hulusi (traditional Chinese instrument) performances, and calligraphy demonstrations.CUP participants performed Beijing Welcomes You, offering a heartfelt expression of hospitality and strengthening the bonds of friendship between China and the UAE.During the university exhibition segment, CUP faculty and students established a dedicated booth to introduce the university. Two student representatives delivered a speech titled Embrace the Energy Future, highlighting CUP’s academic strengths and actively promoting its international exchange programs. The event generated significant interest, with over fifty Emirati students expressing a desire to participate in CUP’s upcoming summer camp in China and leaving written messages of goodwill. This initiative significantly enhanced CUP’s international visibility and reputation among faculty and students in the UAE, fostering deeper collaboration in energy education between China and the Arab world.

Beyond academic studies, participants of the winter camp actively engaged in cultural exchange activities, connecting with UAE residents and experiencing the nation’s rich history and traditions firsthand. Through visits to iconic landmarks and immersive exploration of local customs, students expanded their global perspectives and gained a deeper appreciation for the power of cross-cultural exchange.  

As a key initiative under the university’s "Global Competence Project," the winter camp received strong support from the University (Youth) Working Group of the Belt and Energy Partnership and member institutions of the World Energy University Alliance. This program not only strengthens educational ties between China and the UAE but also promotes youth exchange and advances the shared goals of the Belt and Road Initiative.  

Khalifa University, the UAE’s top-ranked institution and a member of the World Energy University Alliance, is a strategic partner of China University of Petroleum. for over 16 year.Throughout this collaboration,the two universities have achieved significant milestones in joint talent cultivation, innovative research, and academic cooperation, further solidifying their commitment to advancing global education and energy development.