Hala China celebrated its first anniversary in style last week with the signing of six collaboration agreements that will launch a host of unique activations in Dubai throughout 2019 and 2020.

The exclusive event, held at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai, drew the participation of His Excellency Li Xuhang, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai, and Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Hala China, as well as other distinguished guests and media representatives.

The first agreement seals the deal between Hala China and Shanghai Qianxilu Cultural Communication to jointly create Expo 2020-themed wedding and tourism packages. Next, Hala China is collaborating with the Miss Model of the World International Organisation to organise Dubai Fashion Days and the 32^nd Miss Model of the World Grand Final Awarding Ceremony, also set to take place in Dubai. Further agreements with More Trip International Travel Service, Shanghai Qilin International Travel Service and ShenZhen JI-Tour International Travel Service aim to bring more Chinese tourists to Dubai. The sixth agreement was signed with Chengdu World Culture Communication and aims to strengthen the collaboration between Sichuan and Dubai in various sectors.

Sheikh Majid Al Mualla said: “The outcomes from our anniversary event show how we are moving forward with progressive intent. The appetite for cross-cultural initiatives, new business and enterprise has become clear to us in our first year of operation as we move to bring our two countries closer together.

“The UAE-China relationship continues to develop apace. Today, more than ever, we share a bond that is multifaceted, always evolving, always open to new endeavours and market opportunities.”

His Excellency Li Xuhang said: “This year marks the 35^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, and we are standing at a new historical starting point. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, once said: ‘The future starts today, not tomorrow.’

“Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping said: ‘A great dream will not come true through waiting or chanting slogans, it can only be fulfilled with hard work and perseverance.’ We believe that after a year of successful exploration, the Hala China initiative will continue to innovate and ensure steady and sustained development.”

Six new agreements to support the Belt and Road Initiative

Building on the success of the first-ever UAE-hosted Chinese group wedding in March 2019, Hala China is collaborating with Shanghai Qianxilu Cultural Communication to bring more Chinese couples to Dubai this year and the year of Expo 2020. The themed tour, named Chinese Style, Chinese Red, Chinese Love Wedding Stepping into Expo 2020, will fly 2020 couples from across China out to Dubai for a similarly romantic knot-tying occasion at Meraas and Dubai Holding destinations. In addition, the two parties plan to jointly design Expo-themed tourist packages for 3,000 Chinese entrepreneurs, 3,000 Chinese families, and 3,000 Chinese children and teens coming to Dubai.

The second agreement saw Hala China partner with the Miss Model of the World International Organisation to bring the Miss Model of the World Grand Final Awarding Ceremony to Dubai for the first time in Q4 2020. The two organisations will also co-host Dubai Fashion Days in Q4 2019.

Three additional agreements formalise the commitment of leading Chinese travel agencies – More Trip International Travel Service, Shanghai Qilin International Travel Service and ShenZhen JI-Tour International Travel Service – to bringing 8,000, 6,000 and 5,000 Chinese tourists respectively to Dubai via the Hala China platform in 2020.

The sixth agreement was signed with Chengdu World Culture Communication and aims to strengthen the collaboration between Sichuan and Dubai in various sectors, including tourism, culture, investment and trade. It will also assist Chinese businesses in expanding to Dubai.