Luxury developer Emaar announced a landmark development that will further strengthen UAE-China relations, coinciding with the historic visit of President Xi Jinping of China to the UAE.
To honour Chinese expatriates in the UAE and further bolster business ties with China, Emaar will develop the Middle Easts largest Chinatown within the retail district of Dubai Creek Harbour, its 6sqkm mega-development.
The retail precinct will occupy a central location within Dubai Creek Harbour a destination which will be home to a new icon, Dubai Creek Tower, and encompass vibrant lifestyle elements.
Further strengthening Emaars outreach to China, the company also announced that it will open three dedicated pavilions in China – Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The three offices will promote tourism, education, trading, and investment between UAE and China.
In a third significant announcement, Emaar will 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.
Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, said: The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the UAE is historic and will further strengthen UAE-China relations, underpinned by initiatives such as the UAE-China Week announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister 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 Emaars 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.
Emaars expansion to China complements the One Belt, One Road initiative announced by President Xi Jinping, in which the UAE will have a significant part to play, in addition to benefiting from the extraordinary development programme. Emaars new China-focused initiatives build on the strong Chinese investment 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.
More details of the dedicated district for Chinese products, featuring the foremost brands from the country as well as global fashion brands that appeal to Chinese tourists, will be revealed over the coming months.