Relations between the UAE and China have been going strength-to-strength over the last few years, and with the announcement of Dubai getting it’s very own Chinatown – it’s only gaining momentum.
Just a day before Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Emirates, Dubai-based developer Emaar announced their latest project—an enormous Chinatown—which is set to be the Middle East’s largest to date. The development will be located within the retail district of Dubai Creek Harbour (which also includes a skyscraper due to dethrone Burj Khalifa as the world’s tallest building).
From the looks of it, Burj Khalifa isn’t the only establishment that’ll be dethroned. The new Chinatown poses direct competition to everyone’s beloved Dragon Mart—Dubai’s go-to spot for everything Chinese.
In Dubai-fashion, the upcoming development is set to be an ultra-modern take on the traditional Chinatowns found in most other major cities. Designed to appeal to both Emirati residents and Chinese tourists, the centre will feature China’s top brands.
Along with the new centre, Emaar announced its plans to expand homegrown luxury Address Hotels, with new locations in key Chinese cities.
In celebration of the announcement, Mohammed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar properties said in a statement: “The development of the new Chinese retail and lifestyle district at Dubai Creek Harbour – as well as Emaar’s expansion into China, both in property and hospitality – highlight our commitment to the country and our focus on contributing to the strength of UAE-China relations.”
