550,000 Chinese tourists expected to visit UAE in 2015

Trade exchange between the two countries expanded by 20 per cent in 2014, totalling $55 billion

3 September 2015

The number of Chinese tourists to the United Arab Emirates is projected to increase by ten per cent to 550,000 from 500,000 in the past year, according to the Chinese ambassador.

In 2014, Dubai welcomed 350,000 Chinese tourists while Abu Dhabi welcomed 150,000, says Hua Chang, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the UAE.

In remarks published by Al-Ittihad, Hua says tourism bodies in his country work to educate Chinese tourists on UAE traditions, culture, landmarks and tourist attractions.

Speaking during a meeting with a Chinese delegation which is in the UAE to explore areas of cooperation in the tourism and trade domains, the ambassador notes that trade exchange between China and the UAE expanded by 20 per cent in 2014, making up a total $55 billion.

He also says he expects the UAE’s imports from China to surge as a result of cheaper value of Chinese goods and lower oil prices.

The ambassador also indicates that there are 200,000 Chinese residents in the UAE and 4,000 registered companies.