Dubai developer Emaar is planning the Middle East’s largest Chinatown in the 6 sq km Dubai Creek Harbour development, 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport and the Burj Khalifa.
Details on the size and contents of the project are scant, but Emaar say it will contain "foremost brands from the country as well as global fashion brands that appeal to Chinese tourists".
The firm notes that annually 400,000 Chinese visit Dubai, with the announcement of the Chinatown project coinciding with a Chinese president Xi Jinping’s visit to the UAE this week.
The firm will also build three pavilions in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou and will develop for the hospitality sector in the country, with plans to open branches of its Address Hotels + Resorts brand.
Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar Properties’ chairman, said: "The UAE and China share strong bilateral trade and cultural relations, which are bolstered by the presence of over 200,000 Chinese citizens in the UAE.
"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 – highlights our commitment to the country, and our focus on contributing to the strength and success of UAE-China relations."
Image courtesy of Emaar
