Joint initiative by Meraas and Dubai Holding showcases Dubai to potential visitors to further encourage tourism from China

Hala China, a joint initiative by Meraas and Dubai Holding, concluded its first international event - a photography exhibition titled ‘Dubai Lifestyle, New Destination’ Photography Exhibition - at the Zhejiang Provincial Library in the city of Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang province. 

The exhibition displayed 150 photographs of Dubai’s iconic destinations, landmarks and attractions, capturing the city’s diverse offerings and vibrant lifestyle. Split into two sections, ‘Part One – Dubai in Chinese Eyes’ showcased 100 pictures by 20 amateur Chinese photographers, while ‘Part Two – Dubai in the Eyes of Non-Chinese’ featured 50 images by 10 non-Chinese, long-term UAE residents.

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Hala China, said: “The ‘Dubai Lifestyle, New Destination’ photography exhibition was conceptualised following Hala China’s recent success in hosting the Chinese Film Week in Dubai. By taking the initiative to an international platform, we aim to further encourage inbound tourism from China in support of the UAE Vision 2021 announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This exhibition was an exceptional opportunity to showcase Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, lifestyle and entertainment offerings to our visitors.”

The 10-day exhibition was inaugurated by Ren Qun, Deputy Director General Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture, and welcomed over 3,000 local and international guests. The exhibition generated significant interest with various cities across China extending an invitation to host the event in their city. Most notable among these are the NingBo Government of the Zhejiang Province that has scheduled an exhibition in early 2019, and potential collaborations with Fengniao, China’s largest photography website.

Targeting Chinese tourists, the event aimed to establish Dubai as their go-to holiday destination. Statistics from the International Tourism Association show that overseas spending by Chinese tourists was as high as US$261.1 billion in 2016, increasing 4.5 per cent over the same period (year-on-year) and was ranked first among all tourists worldwide. Dubai Tourism also reported a significant 41 per cent increase in Chinese tourists visiting Dubai since the introduction of visa-on-arrival facilities for Chinese nationals. Furthermore, in February 2018, the first Chinese New Year celebrations at City Walk in Dubai attracted more than 22,000 Chinese and other visitors.

Hala China is an initiative by Meraas and Dubai Holding that focuses on exploring opportunities to facilitate economic development through tourism, trade and investment. The initiative is also set to feature a year-long calendar of events including food festivals, fashion shows and sporting competitions, as well as music and cultural festivals.