Chinatown a salute to President Xi

FEEL AT HOME: The Middle East's largest Chinatown will be built at Dubai Creek Harbour to honour Chinese expatriates in the UAE.

The Middle East's largest Chinatown will be built in Dubai, it was announced on Wednesday, ahead of the much anticipated visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UAE.
The UAE has rolled out the red carpet for the Chinese premier's three-day visit that begins today.
The retail precinct would occupy a central location within the Dubai Creek Harbour - which will house the ambitious Dubai Creek Tower - and encompass vibrant lifestyle elements. Set by the Dubai Creek waterway, "elegantly designed homes" at the harbour would offer "spectacular views" of the city's dramatic skyline, the waterfront and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, according to its developer Emaar.
The project will be undertaken "to honour Chinese expatriates in the UAE" and further bolster business ties with China.
President Xi will lead a large delegation to the UAE to further advance trade, culture and technological cooperation between the two countries. Cultural activities across the country being held as part of the UAE-China Week from July 17 to 24 are putting the spotlight on bilateral relations. Landmarks across the country will light up in hues of red and yellow tonight to welcome the Chinese president.
Further strengthening Emaar's outreach to China, the company announced that it would open three dedicated offices in China - Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou - all cities served by direct daily flights to Dubai on Emirates. The three offices would promote tourism, education, trading and investment between the two countries.
In a third announcement, Emaar said it would expand its premium luxury hotel and serviced residences brand, Address Hotels + Resorts, to China. Discussions are ongoing to develop and operate Address-branded hotels in key cities in the country, "given the strong appeal and familiarity" that the brand enjoys among Chinese tourists.
Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, said: "The visit of the Chinese President to the UAE is historic and will further strengthen UAE-China relations, underpinned by initiatives such as the UAE-China Week announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
"The UAE and China share strong bilateral trade and cultural relations, which are bolstered by the presence of over 200,000 Chinese citizens who live in the UAE and the hundreds of thousands of Chinese visitors that the nation welcomes annually. The development of the new Chinese retail and lifestyle district at Dubai Creek Harbour - as well as Emaar's expansion into China, both in property and hospitality - highlight our commitment to the country, and our focus on contributing to the strength and success of UAE-China relations."
Emaar's expansion to China complements the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative announced by President Xi. According to estimates by McKinsey, the initiative could potentially cover one-third of the world's population, one-third of global GDP and about one-quarter of all goods and services in the global economy.
Emaar's new China-focused initiatives build on the strong Chinese investments in the UAE as well as the continued growth of Chinese visitors to the country, especially following the visa-on-arrival status granted to Chinese nationals by the UAE in 2016.
China is the fourth largest visitor source market for Dubai, with tourist and business traveller arrivals at 401,000 between January 1 and May 31, 2018 - a growth of nine per cent over the same period in 2017.
Emaar marked the Chinese New Year with a spectacular dragon-themed light and sound show on the Burj Khalifa, and hosted festivities at The Dubai Mall.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com