The Museum of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates is showcasing centuries of trade and cultural connections between the Gulf and China, as part of a collaboration with the Palace Museum in Beijing.

Pottery that dates back hundreds of years is on display in the UAE city. The items once traveled along the Maritime Silk Road from China to Julfar, the old name for Ras Al Khaimah.

Among the most prized items are celedon -- a type of finely glazed stoneware valued for its jade-like color. They originate from the renowned kilns of southwest China's Fujian province.

According to experts in the UAE, the pottery tells stories of trade, diplomacy and cultural exchange, showcasing the deep historic connections between China and the Arabian Gulf.

"The find highlights also the longstanding cultural and commercial links between China and Ras Al Khaimah through the maritime route. In the Islamic world, such Chinese ware circulated as a value, luxury good, and in Julfar it represents clear evidence that the port was integrated into a long distance commercial and cultural network," said Hala Shankour, director of the Archaeology Department at the Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras Al Khaimah.

Many of the artifacts were previously exhibited at the Palace Museum in Beijing, which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The exhibition was part of an ongoing cultural exchange between the Museum of Ras Al Khaimah and The Palace Museum.

"This exhibition reflects the Palace Museum's long-standing tradition of hosting international, collaborative, to showcase, a world heritage and strengthen cultural ties. Through such exhibitions, we also present to the world the richest of the long-standing relationship and the historical connection between the merchants in Ras Al Khaimah and in China for both regions," said Ahmad Obaid Alteneiji, general director of the Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras Al Khaimah.

Chinese and local archaeologists in the UAE have uncovered about 20,000 ceramic and pottery shards dating back to China's Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Celadon pottery was once regarded as the pinnacle of elegance across Asia and beyond.

The museum collaboration to showcase the artifacts aims to deepen people-to-people understanding and foster a shared future built on mutual respect and continuous learning.