(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Visitors had the chance to ask questions on Arabic culture in a series of open discussions held by Nasif Kayed raising awareness of the local culture, customs and religion of the UAE. Supplied photo
Dubai: Dubai Week in China has been hailed a resounding success as the curtain came down on the event last night with an evening celebrating the emirate's rich cultural heritage, as well as China and Dubai's shared passion for food and art.
The largest event to be staged in China showcasing Dubai was attended by more than 15,000 visitors, from government officials, business and thought leaders to members of the general public. The Falcon and Associates initiative - in cooperation with the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, or CPAFFC - not only gave visitors the chance to learn about Dubai's meteoric rise, from humble fishing village to global city of opportunity, but also introduced them to different sides of the city.
An interactive digital and multi-sensory exhibition - combined with themed evening events, along with meetings and thought leadership sessions with some of the entities spearheading Dubai's economic development - enabled visitors to gain a deeper understanding of its culture and heritage and how - through its strategic location and world-class infrastructure - the emirate can play a significant role in China's One Belt, One Road strategy.
"Dubai Week in China was a great success - to welcome such a large number of visitors and introduce them to the potential that exists in Dubai was very satisfying," said Hongbin Cong, managing director, Invest Dubai, Falcon and Associates. "Dubai Week in China really caught the imagination of the people of Beijing and the feedback has been incredible. 'Surprised' is a word I heard a lot: many people were very excited to learn beyond the Dubai that most people know; while the business community had fruitful meetings, forging new friendships and exploring opportunities of mutual benefit across business, tourism, culture and lifestyle.
"Much of Dubai's success has been built on working in partnership with others and Dubai Week in China is the perfect example of this. We were incredibly fortunate to find in the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries a Chinese a partner who mirrors our values of enhancing friendship, furthering international cooperation and promoting common development, while of the contribution of the Dubai Partners was also invaluable."
"Dubai Week in China was a significant milestone in the development of economic and cultural ties," said Li Xiaolin, president of the CPAFFC.
The event at The Orange in Sanlitun Taikoo Li South closed with series of cultural activities attended by more than 200 people.
Guests had the opportunity to ask questions on Arabic culture in a series of open discussions held by Nasif Kayed, managing director of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, a non-profit organisation which acts as a cultural bridge, raising awareness of the local culture, customs and religion of the UAE.
"Home to more than 200 different nationalities, Dubai is a safe, welcoming and multi-cultural society which opens its arms to everyone," said Kayed. "Its diverse culture and vibrant lifestyle make it among the most dynamic and liveable cities in the world which is attracting more and more Chinese. We have a thriving 200,000-strong Chinese community in Dubai, while last year there was a 25 per cent increase in Chinese tourists, many intrigued by our culture and surprised to discover that Chinese and Arabs are similar in many ways."
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