Liu Yandong, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, awarded Dr. Eesa Al Bastaki, President of University of Dubai (UD), ìThe Excellence Award of the Yearî for his commitment toward deepening the cooperation between China and the UAE. The Award ceremony took place during the 12th Confucius Institute Conference that was held in Shaanxi, China from December 12th to 13^th, 2017. The Conference hosted University presidents as well as representatives of Confucius Institutes from about 140 countries, envoys from foreign embassies in China, and delegates from international institutes. Dr. Al Bastaki, who was also part of a discussion panel of six distinguished international speakers, focused on the impact of innovation and future technologies on the positive development of humankind. He also pointed out the role of the UAE in fostering peaceful coexistence among peoples and countries. He stated that ìthe UAE is on the fast track toward building smart, happy and sustainable cities.î The University of Dubai hosts the Confucius Institute since 2011. It is the first Confucius Institute established in the UAE and GCC countries.