An Arabic costume and dance show at the launching ceremony of the third Arabic Arts Festival in Beijing on Sep.2.

On Sept 2, a launching ceremony of the third Arabic Arts Festival co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Secretariat of the League of Arab States was held in the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

The third Arabic Arts Festival will open in Beijing on Sept 10. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, with the aim of “broadening exchanges and enhancing friendship” and based on the theme of “turning a new page with the spirit of the Silk Road”, the festival will present some new characters. First, it will be rich in content, with arts performances, forums and exhibitions. Second, it will be long term, lasting eight to 10 months. Third, it will be held in many places, including 10 provinces and municipalities. Fourth, it will have great significance, for it serves as an important part of the 2014 and 2015 China-Arab Friendship Years.