The rehearsal hall in Dubai is steeped in hushed anticipation. Dozens, then hundreds of voices, blend into seamless harmony — the deep, steadfast tones of the men intertwining with the luminous, soaring notes of the women. Their unified chorus of My Motherland and I fills the space with profound emotions.

This is a snapshot of preparations for the 12th edition of the Overseas Chinese Spring Festival Gala in Dubai, themed "Eternal Brilliance". Before every Spring Festival, overseas Chinese communities across the globe stage a variety of cultural and artistic performances and the Dubai one ranks among the largest in scale.

The two-hour gala boasts a rich and diverse lineup, encompassing dance, vocal performances, acrobatics, and instrumental music, all bearing a distinct hallmark of Chinese elements.

Since early October, over 500 Chinese residents in the United Arab Emirates and other countries, aged 8 to over 80, have been devoting their weekends to rehearsals. The gala seeks to artistically integrate modern technology with traditional culture, articulating the shared emotions of overseas Chinese who span continents yet remain bound by their roots.