IICD Highlights Deep Relations Between UAE, China

(@FahadShabbir)

IICD highlights deep relations between UAE, China

The International Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, IICD, has praised the deep relations that connect the UAE and China.

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 17th Jul, 2018) The International Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, IICD, has praised the deep relations that connect the UAE and China.

Dr. Mohamad Kamil Al Muaini, Chairman of the IICD, said, "The relations between the UAE and China have gained solidity and have become a long-term strategy, connecting both countries since their establishment and reflecting their economic and commercial exchanges that are constantly growing, due to their cultural relations, which have become richer and more diverse, in line with their mutual interests. Regarding the tourism sector, we can clearly see these close relations, as China has led, since the start of the year, a list of the largest foreign markets in terms of the number of guests that stayed in local hotels during the first five months of the year."

He added that due to the growing interest of Chinese tourists in the UAE, which combines authenticity and modernity, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has worked closely with many local bodies to facilitate their arrival.

He said that it has worked to activate the sector and provide an exceptional tourist experience. International facilities have been established to meet the needs of Chinese visitors, especially with regards to language, payment methods, visit visas and flexible air connection on modern fleets of aircraft. The department has also consolidated joint commercial and investor relations.

Meanwhile, the strategic decision to grant visitors from the People’s Republic of China an entry visa upon arrival at airports and border crossings has contributed to the growth in the number of visitors from China to Abu Dhabi to over five times. The development of diplomatic ties between both countries is also resulting in encouraging prospects for relations between both countries, he added.

Accordingly, Al Muaini said that the solid relations between the governments of the UAE and China contributed to the noticeable growth in the numbers of Chinese tourists to the UAE and to enhanced economic and commercial investment between both countries.

This led to the organising of promotional campaigns in Chinese cities about the tourist attractions and the diversity of entertainment and shopping options, as well as the attractive cultural and heritage components.

Al Muaini also valued the noticeable closeness in the relations between the UAE which is considered a global emerging power and one of the most important centres of soft power and cultural diplomacy in the middle East and the Global South and China, which is considered a big international actor and one of the most influential countries in the economic, political and diplomatic fields.

"The growth in the number of Chinese tourists visiting the UAE comes from the solid relations between both countries, not only in the areas of diplomacy and commerce but also in terms of culture. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair hosted China as its guest of honour in 2017, as well as a prestigious delegation of writers and other artists who enriched the cultural dialogue between both sides. Chinese New Year in January this year was also a major event in the UAE’s cultural agenda, which saw Emirati malls attract thousands of Chinese nationals, as well as those interested in Chinese cultures and traditions, who intermingled in a harmonious way. We are looking forward to further growth and prosperity in the tourism and cultural sectors, due to the solid relations between our countries," Dr. Al Muaini said.

"The UAE enjoys high levels of safety compared to other countries, making it the preferred destination in the Middle East, especially for Chinese tourists, who are looking to experience its development, openness and cultural fusion. The UAE has also witnessed greater interest from Chinese tourists, due to its reputation as an exceptional tourism destination, which reflects the rich cultural life in the UAE, where various nationalities from around the world co-exist," he added.