A Palestinian engineer's path of personal dreams in the desert

With an early career taking place in countries such as Iraq, Jordan, Malaysia, and Canada, Haniyeh has witnessed the top-tier standards of China's construction industry. Being able to work for CSCEC ME later felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity for her. "Here, I get to work on many large-scale projects that are both highly professional and technically challenging," Haniyeh shared with People's Daily Online at the company's office in Dubai.

Haniyeh deeply appreciates the experience and growth the company has offered her: "Our company's portfolio is incredibly diverse—not just buildings, but also roads, bridges, ports, and more. If you have the capability, you can grow professionally through both opportunities and challenges."

According to available statistics, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), approximately one in every 34 people lives in a building constructed by CSCEC ME, which perfectly reflects one reason Haniyeh chose to study civil engineering: the sense of fulfillment that comes from providing people with homes.

As China's technological prowess has advanced and Belt and Road cooperation has deepened in recent years, the country is gradually evolving from an acceptor of international standards to a leader in high-level standards across fields like construction, shipbuilding, high-speed rail, telecommunications and new energy. Haniyeh has witnessed this shift firsthand. "China has its own design specifications and standards. When you get to know Chinese engineers, you'll learn a lot of new design standards, and discover other great new solutions," she remarked.

On working with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds in this international team, Haniyeh said, "I find it easy to get along with everyone here. People here are open-minded and inclusive. They are willing to share their experiences and insights. We work together to achieve our goals. " She added that the way Chinese engineers handle design and construction often sparks unexpected inspiration for her.

Haniyeh also enjoys the cultural activities organized by the company during off-hours. These activities not only help foreign staff understand Chinese culture better but also bring the international team closer, fostering a strong sense of community and care. Her closest Chinese friend was a colleague she met when she joined the company in 2009.

"Even though she no longer works in Dubai, we've stayed in touch," Haniyeh recalled. "When I visited China last time, our two families got together."

Haniyeh has visited China twice, and whether for work or tourism, she has been amazed by the country's multifaceted charm and dynamic growth. On her most recent trip, she brought her children along. "I wanted them to experience firsthand this nation's remarkable growth and appreciate China's many attractions," she said.

Haniyeh has observed that many young Arabs are striving to learn Chinese, a pursuit she regards as both essential and wise. "This is how the doors to development and success swing open," she stated.