On July 3, 2007, the agreement on the Sultan Qaboos Chair in Arabic Studies of Peking University was signed in Peking University.

In April 2008，Professor Xie Zhirong was appointed as chair professor of the Chair by the Chancellor of Peking University.

In 2014, Professor Fu Zhiming was appointed as the chair professor.

The objectives of the Chair include:

• Getting involved in the teaching and learning of the Arabic language and literature of Chinese students in Peking University, encouraging the research of the Arabic language, literature and culture, especially the research on the Sultanate of Oman;

• Encouraging cultural exchanges between higher education institutes and Chinese universities, especially those with the Arabic language and literature teaching;

• Coordinating the development of the further education programs on the Arabic language  and  literature  to  provide training to Chinese teachers and professionals on the Arabic language and literature;

• Arranging mutual visits between university students and teachers of the Arabic departments in Oman and China;

• Encouraging the scientific research and the publishing of the research results of the Arabic language, literature and culture of universities of Oman and China;

• Organizing national and international seminars with the aim of promoting the research on Arabic language, literature and culture.