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 new Chinese year that begins on 5 February this year.

Some of Dubai’s most 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 28 January to 23 February to host a packed schedule of activities as the city continues to embrace Chinese culture.

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Hala China, said: “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.

“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.”

He added: “Hala China’s Chinese New Year celebrations extend beyond just two nations and will appeal to anyone interested in learning about new cultures.”

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 per cent. 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.

For the fourth year in a row, China has been Dubai’s largest trading partner. 2019 sees the UAE and China enter their 35th year of diplomatic relations. The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vice President Wang Qishan to the UAE in 2018 further reinforced the bilateral ties.

Her Excellency Tan Li, Acting Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, said: “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.

“For the people of China, Chinese New Year is a time of great hope for the future and reflection on the past. The fact that Dubai is embracing our cultural heritage in such a generous, open and welcoming way speaks of the strengthening social ties between China and the UAE.”

Her Excellency added: “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.”

The Eastern powerhouse of more than 1.4 billion people historically observes Chinese New Year in accordance with the 12 signs of the zodiac, which assigns an animal and its most well-defined attributes to each year. The zodiac system has existed in the Chinese culture for more than 4,000 years, since the Qin dynasty. And this year, Hala China is bringing the storied festivities to Dubai in a way that has never been seen before.