10 days, 2 cities, 5 local top enterprises, 2 higher education institutions, and 13 aspiring fintech students... In July 2025, the 5th WeBank Scholarship Summer Camp hosted by the SWIFT came to a successful conclusion in the Middle East, a land that blends ancient civilization and modern technology. Let's look back on this enriching journey full of exploration and valuable experiences together!
Opening Ceremony: Setting Sail for Dreams
On July 19, the summer camp officially kicked off. The simple yet ceremonial opening ceremony marked the beginning of the study tour. Chen Haiqiang, dean of the Institute, and Wang Huan, a representative of WeBank, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. They expressed their expectations for the students and encouraged them to cherish this study tour opportunity and broaden their horizons.
University Study: Heriot - Watt University & Abu Dhabi University, Unlocking the "New Heights" of AI and Fintech
The summer camp specially invited a team of distinguished professors from Heriot - Watt University, Dr. Nadar Khan Khattak, and a team of professors from Abu Dhabi University, Dr. Kiran S. Nair, Dr. Rim Mezian, Dr. Rawan Al - Louzi and Dr. Rubina Queshi, to develop tailor-made, high-quality courses covering all areas of fintech for the students. The courses include "The Ecosystem and Trends of Fintech", "Artificial Intelligence in Fintech", "Future Protection: How Digital Technology Reshapes Today's Business", "Blockchain Applications in Finance", etc. Through diverse teaching methods, the students delved deep into the core areas of fintech. They not only witnessed the infinite potential of AI in the financial field but also learned to analyze issues from a global perspective.
Enterprise Visits: Stepping Into Leading Enterprises to Discover “Middle Eastern Insights” on Fintech
The summer camp delved into the core area of enterprise development in the United Arab Emirates and visited 5 representative institutions to enrich the students’ learning experience, broaden the international vision, and foster deep integration of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
DMCC Blockchain Center: Led by Ms. Li Xuetong, the Senior Manager of the Strategic Cooperation Department and Head of DMCC’s China Representative Office, the students deeply understood this Web3 hub, which is the focus of Dubai government's efforts. Ms. Li introduced the innovative application models of blockchain technology in the Middle East's commodity trade and financial settlement.
Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Free Zone (ADGM): Ahmed Alnuaimi, Senior Expert from ADGM’s Business Development Department, explained to the students the unique positioning of this free zone as the "experimental field" of financial innovation in the Middle East. He specifically emphasized its cutting-edge work in regulatory technology and cross-border financial cooperation.
Dubai Economy Department: Mr. Jassim Abdulrahman AlAwadhi, Senior Manager of the Dubai Economy Department, systematically introduced to the students the implementation path of Dubai's economic diversification strategy and the vital role of the digital economy in enhancing the city's competitiveness. His presentation provided the students with an in-depth understanding of how the digital economy is empowering the development blueprint of this future-oriented city.
Gulf News: At the most influential English - language media in the Middle East, Gulf News, Editor - in - Chief Mark Thompson and Production Director Renyold Robert shared insights into regional fintech developments from a media perspective. The students also visited the paper - making factory, giving them a stereoscopic understanding of the media industry chain.
China - Arab Cooperation Demonstration Zone: As a benchmark project of "Belt and Road" capacity cooperation, the zone showcased the cooperation achievements between China and Arab countries in the fields of digital economy and smart cities. From cross - border e - commerce to new energy applications, the students witnessed the innovative practice of the Chinese solution in the Middle East market.
Cultural Experience: From the Museum of the Future to the Mosque - Feeling the “Perfect Fusion” of Modernity and Tradition
During the intensive academic schedule, the summer camp also thoughtfully arranged a variety of cultural experiences, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in the unique charm of the Arab world. From futuristic technology to ancient civilizations, each cultural landmark tells an extraordinary story of this land's development.
As the saying goes, "Learn from books and learn from the world." With this WeBank Scholarship Summer Camp coming to an end, we look forward to seeing you at the next stop, next year!
