Hala China to celebrate Chinese New Year

Hala China – a joint initiative by Meraas and Dubai Holding – will bring a variety of Chinese experiences to Dubai for a month of celebrations to usher in the Chinese New Year that begins on February 5 this year.

Some of Dubai’s vibrant destinations, including Al Seef, Bluewaters, Boxpark, City Walk, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), La Mer, Madinat Jumeirah, The Beach, Global Village and The Outlet Village, will be decorated for the occasion from January 28 to February 23 to host a packed schedule of activities as the city continues to embrace Chinese culture.

“Hosting the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside China in Dubai this year allows us to further contribute to realising the pioneering tourism vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to diversifying the emirate’s economic landscape,” says Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, chairman of the Board of Directors at Hala China. “Given the range of Chinese-inspired events and activities we are set to witness across some of Dubai’s most innovative destinations, we are confident that the Chinese diaspora and tourists will enjoy the month-long festivities. The celebrations will demonstrate why the city’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and inclusive culture make it an ideal home for Chinese expatriates.”

For the fourth year in a row, China has been Dubai’s largest trading partner. It is estimated that more than 270,000 Chinese expats live in the UAE. From January to November 2018, the number of transit tourists from China visiting Dubai reached nearly 800,000, representing a year-on-year increase of 12%. The inaugural Chinese New Year celebrations at City Walk in February 2018 attracted more than 22,000 Chinese and other visitors. This year, that number is expected to rise even further, with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China confirming its active participation in the initiative.

“The extensive list of Chinese cultural activities that Hala China will host in Dubai over the next month is a shining example of the mutual respect and progressive vision China and the UAE share, and their proactive contribution to each other’s cultural awareness and social integration,” adds Tan Li, acting consul-general of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai. “Dubai is a regional hub for economy, trade, finance, tourism and logistics, and is an important partner of the Belt and Road initiative. The efforts of Hala China in bringing the people of our two countries together through initiatives such as the Chinese New Year festivities highlight the positive role our two cultures play in the world today.”