The inaugural Dubai Week in China kicks off on Friday in Beijing, with an event that promises to bring to life Dubai's remarkable story, from humble fishing village to global city of opportunity in just 40 years.
Staged in a bustling business and shopping district in the heart of Beijing, the venue has been transformed into an immersive digital and multi-sensory experience, providing Chinese government officials, thought leaders, media and consumers the chance to see, feel and taste Dubai through a variety of touch points, including an Arabic bakery, interactive videos, Q&A sessions on Emirati culture, performances of Arabic music and dance, as well as live calligraphy and traditional henna art.
"Dubai Week in China will not only provide visitors the chance to explore the unprecedented opportunities Dubai presents China across business, tourism, culture and lifestyle, but will also enable many to see a side of our city they perhaps were not aware of," said Hongbin Cong, Managing Director, Invest Dubai, Falcon and Associates. "Dubai retains a sense of mystery for many Chinese and the event aims to surprise, delight and spark a new interest beyond the Dubai that most people know, introducing its rich culture and Bedouin heritage, as well as the warmth of Arabic hospitality.
The Chinese National Table Tennis Team — sponsored by Dubai since 2013 — will also be making a guest appearance at the event, performing in an exhibition match at an evening in celebration of China and Dubai's shared passion for sport. Running from 8th to 15th May 2015 at The Orange in Sanlitun Taikoo Li South, the event — a Falcon and Associates initiative in partnership with DTCM, DIFC, Dubai Expo 2020, Emirates, Jafza, Jumeirah Group and KHDA — gets underway with a welcome reception on May 8.
The event — also in cooperation with the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) — will also highlight China and Dubai's thriving economic and cultural ties. In recent years, Chinese tourists have flocked to Dubai, with a record 344,000 visiting in 2014, an increase of 25% from the previous year. Driven in part by the 200,000-strong Chinese community in Dubai which accounts for 10% of the population, trade has also flourished, growing 29 per cent in 2014 to $47.6 billion to make China Dubai's largest trade partner.
"Dubai is one of the most liveable and dynamic cities in the world — safe, welcoming and multicultural — and the event will give visitors an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how the pioneering spirit and visionary leadership of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has been key to its development."
In addition to the event highlighting Dubai as world-class destination for sport, an art and food night will give visitors the opportunity to discover flavours of the Middle East at live cooking stations and listen to Emirati musicians, while emerging talent from Dubai and Beijing's vibrant art scenes will display work in appreciation of Arabic culture.
A business centre at the venue will provide event partners and Chinese business leaders and government officials a chance to meet and explore opportunities of mutual benefit, while several announcements are also expected to be made. Thought leadership panel discussions are scheduled on: Dubai as an investment destination for China; how Dubai is emerging as an important entrepreneurship hub for Asia and Africa; and how Dubai can offer Chinese graduates access to further education and excellent employment opportunities.
