Dubai set to celebrate new year all over again
dubai — A grand parade with thousands of people, lion dance competitions, traditional Chinese performances ... You are in for a cultural treat as Dubai gets set to celebrate the new year all over again. From tomorrow, a rich range of cultural events will unfold across Dubai to celebrate the Chinese New Year, which is on January 25.
For the third year running, Hala China, an initiative by Meraas and Dubai Holding, will usher in the year of the rat. According to organisers, this year will be “bigger and better than ever before”.
City Walk, Al Seef, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Nikki Beach and Kite Beach will host a packed schedule of activities. These will range from festivals, parades, dances and competitions as the emirate continues to embrace and celebrate the best of Chinese culture along with the over 200,000 Chinese expatriates who call Dubai home.
Last year’s Grand Parade at City Walk drew the participation of more than 34,000 visitors, and that figure is expected to reach up to 50,000 this year.
Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, chairman of the board of directors at Hala China, said: “Riding on the huge success of the 2018 and 2019 Chinese New Year celebrations we hosted, the event has quickly become a highlight in Dubai’s calendar that many of our residents and visitors look forward to.
“This year, Hala China is offering its greatest array of Chineseinspired events and activities, as we continue to raise the standards of entertainment in the region. The range of events we are set to host will show why more and more Chinese expatriates call our city with its state-of-the-art infrastructure and inclusive nature their home.”
Li Xuhang, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, said: “We’re lucky to witness the best time ever in the history of bilateral relations between the UAE and China. The celebration during China Spring Festival will provide special opportunities for everyone who is ready to learn about Chinese culture and history, bringing greater cultural awareness and social integration to the residents of the two countries.”